By Dan Freedman. Sunday, 09 October 2005.
England Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson spoke to TheFA.com as soon as news came through of England's Qualification to the World Cup Finals in 2006.
After their victory over Austria at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, England knew that a win on Wednesday night against Poland would secure a passage to Germany.
But they also had a chance to book their flights as one of the best two runners-up if Holland picked up three points in their Group 1 clash away in the Czech Republic.
And so it proved, as the Dutch came through with a 2-0 result in Prague meaning England qualify for the World Cup.
There was no hiding Sven's joy as he kept up-to-date with all the action and the final result.
"I am delighted that we now know we will be taking part in the World Cup in Germany next year," he said.
"It has been a difficult start to the season for us but, together with our victory over Austria, this is the reward for all the hard work that has been done over the last year.
"Our win against Austria showed the character and determination we have in this group of players. They were very focused."
Sven also paid tribute to England's fans, who can now start to make those preparations and bookings for Germany.
"Yes, the fans have played a huge part in every game," he said. "No other team enjoys such incredible support and our qualification is due also to them. I know that the whole nation will get behind the team at the World Cup - I hope we can deliver the kind of success the fans deserve.
"I must also say well done too, to both Holland and Poland who have now also qualified. We still have a very important match against Poland on Wednesday and we will now be focusing all our efforts on winning that match and finishing top of the group.
"But of course it is a lovely feeling to know that nothing can change the fact that we are going to be there next year."
- FITNESS UPDATE: Latest news from the England camp is that both Sol Campbell and Steven Gerrard will miss Wednesday's match against Poland.