22 April 2006
Exclusive Interview: Sven-Goran Eriksson

England's Head Coach tells TheFA.com of his delight at England's qualification for World Cup 2006.


England Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is optimistic that all four of his injured stars will be fit and firing on all cylinders for the Three Lions in Germany this summer.

Ashley Cole, Michael Owen, Sol Campbell and Ledley King have all been out of action with worrying injuries, but they are gradually returning to the fray and Sven believes they are on course for the World Cup.

Owen is back in the running for Newcastle after being out since the end of December, Cole is close to a return for Arsenal and Campbell could be back soon, too. Only King is out for the remainder of the season, but there is every chance he will have recovered from a broken foot in time for England’s pre-tournament friendlies against Hungary and Jamaica.

Cole had played just once in six months before last Wednesday’s reserve team outing for Arsenal against Coventry, which Sven attended in order to check on his first choice left-back.

He said: “Ashley Cole played during this week in a reserve game which Tord and I went to see and he will be ok, I am sure of that.

“I wanted to see him play because I don't know when he is going to play again next. He looks fit and I think he took it easy in the first game. He's a quick healer and getting in form very quickly so I'm very confident for him.

“I spoke to him afterwards, and of course he's happy to be back and looking forward to the World Cup. It's a huge huge tournament.”

Ledley King is less sure after injuring his foot last week. “I don't think anyone is quite sure yet if he will available or not. It's a stress fracture but it's a good one the doctors tell me. I had a meeting with our doctor today so we have to wait and see what's happening.”

King’s versatility means he can play in defence or midfield, as Sven knows well: “He's a central defender but as in the past he can also play central midfield and that way he's an important player for us. But we have to wait and see but I cannot say yes or no.”

Campbell is also aiming to be back before the end, although a broken nose has set back his progress. “I spoke to Sol during this week as well and he seems fit,” said Sven.

“He's not ready to play this weekend because of the nose, but for Tuesday he's ready. He seems to be very fit. His weight is better than ever I think.”

Perhaps the best news of the lot is that Owen should be back in action at any time. Sven acknowledged: “The league finishes in a couple of weeks so if I had not seen any of them play in the last four or five months it would be very difficult for me to pick them.”

“Owen is a goalscorer. Big games, big tournaments, big goalscorer and he's always been like that since he was 17,18 years old.

"Of course we want to try as hard as we can to take Michael Owen with us to the World Cup. He's our best goalscorer without any doubt.”