Sven said: "I have met Brian many times over the past few years and am looking forward to developing a close working relationship with him.

"I have always got on very well with him and have been particularly impressed by his knowledge and love of the game. He is a real football man.

"I know that he is a lifelong Liverpool fan and I have personally witnessed the passion that Liverpool supporters have for their club.

"He also has a huge amount of experience in the business side of football through his positions at the BBC and ITV.

"I’m sure that this combination of passion and expert knowledge will make him a very effective Chief Executive.

"Since I took on my role as England Head Coach I have always received excellent support from whoever has been in charge of The FA, and I have no doubt that will continue with Brian.

"It is very important that there is a good relationship between the leaders of The FA, myself and the players. After all, we are all committed to the same thing: a successful England team.

"I believe that we have many reasons to be positive about the future. We have a young, well-established squad who will have a lot more experience by World Cup 2006. I think that we will be stronger in two years time than we are now. The qualifying group has started well for us, and I am confident we can do well in Germany.

"I hope that the whole of English football will also continue to grow and progress as we move forward. Brian’s appointment as FA Chief Executive is a good step on that road."