3 September 2005
Press Conference: Sven-Goran Eriksson

Sven talks to the press on the day England meet up for their two final Group Six World Cup Qualifiers.


Click here to read the full transcription from Tuesday's press briefing

Sven-Goran Eriksson has hinted that England may play a 4-4-2 formation in the two qualifying games against Poland and Austria that could book them their ticket to next summer's World Cup.

The Three Lions initially face Austria at Old Trafford on Saturday, and the England Head Coach says his side must improve after the disappointing defeat against Northern Ireland last month.

"It is clear in my mind what kind of line-up I will have on Saturday and if nothing serious happens before then it will probably be a 4-4-2 formation," said Sven. 

"Nobody has been happy with the last few games we have played. I have not been happy. As the manager, I should forget the game against Northern Ireland and talk about the future."

Two victories for England from their final Group six matches, both to be played at Old Trafford, will guarantee them a place in the finals. 

Sven added: "We know that we could end up in the play-offs as the situation is now, but we don't want to do that. We want to try and win the group.

"For that reason, these two games are very important and we have to play better football to win them. I am very positive that we can do that."

The disappointment of last month's defeat in Belfast still haunts Sven and he admits the game has weighed on his mind heavily.

He said: "I am proud to be manager of England, as I always have. For me, it feels like a very long time since we played the last game, even if it is only three-and-a-half weeks.

"We need to look forward and be positive, not look backwards and be negative. We know can play much, much better football. We have two very important matches to play on Saturday against Austria and then on Wednesday against Poland.

"The prize is a place in the World Cup and that's not a little thing – it's very important."

Ashley Cole has been ruled out of both qualifiers with a stress fracture to his foot but Eriksson is hopeful that Michael Owen will be fit to play, although he has not revealed who will lead the Three Lions' attack. 

"I don't want to answer the question of who I am going to play upfront. Michael Owen will hopefully be one of them but it will depend on his fitness. He will do some running tomorrow and he will train on Thursday. I hope he will be fit." 

Sven also confirmed that David Beckham will return to training after he stayed in Spain to attend to his sick son, Romeo.

He said: "I haven't spoken to him about it but I think he will okay and hopefully he won't have any worries about what is happening in Spain. He will be back on the training pitch on Thursday." 

"For England not to reach the World Cup would a disaster - but England shall be in the World Cup."

Click here to read the full transcription from Tuesday's press briefing