Eriksson will bow out after more than five years in the job when England eventually leave Germany 2006 this summer - hopefully after winning the Final on July 9!

FA Chief Executive Barwick held a lengthy meeting with Sven on Monday and has explained the reason behind their joint decision to stage a press conference at Soho Square yesterday.

He said: "We had a conversation about several things and what was important to me was to be seen to backing Sven. I want him to take this team to the World Cup and try and win it.

"We discussed it long and hard and felt the best way forward was for him to focus on 2006 and for him and Tord to part company with us in good heart and good grace. What we’re both trying to do is win the World Cup for England."

In fact, far from hampering our hopes of glory in Germany, Barwick believes clearing up the situation will benefit everybody.

And he points to Terry Venables at Euro 96 and Sir Bobby Robson at Italia 90, who both knew the finals were their last month in charge of the national team but still achieved success.

He said: "I know my football history and two men to my knowledge have gone into major tournaments knowing they were not going to come out as England coach at the back of them.

"Both got to semi-finals and both were won on penalties. Lets hope we are going to do better this time.

"So do I think Sven is handicapped by this? No I don’t. This is about clarification, giving Sven an absolute target and giving the FA strength of purpose to know where to take the England team in the next five months."

Barwick believes Sven will be 100 per cent focused on winning the World Cup this summer and does not foresee any problems.

He said: "Sven has been in the job a long time and he’s intimated just how much he’s enjoyed it and how much he’s committed to England winning the World Cup.

"That’s something I want to underline. Sven is totally committed to the job and truly committed to the next five months.

"If you look at the last World Cup I think you will find that 28 out of the 32 teams changed their coach, there’s a natural life to this. The England job is a huge job and with the new Wembley upon us it might just be the right time to move on."