Sven-Goran Eriksson Backs England for the World Cup

Sven-Goran Eriksson believes that England can win the World Cup next summer but the former national team manager has warned the media and the public about the dangers of placing Fabio Capello and his players under what he describes as "ludicrous" pressure during the tournament.

Eriksson, who suffered defeat with England at the quarter-final stage of the last two World Cups, claimed that Brazil will be the only other country where the expectation levels are so high and, recalling his own experiences at major tournaments, suggested that Capello will find it impossible to preach the importance of adopting a more low-key approach.

"It's the World Cup and, I suppose, as always, England have already won the World Cup before they have started it," said Eriksson. "The expectation is going to be huge. But I really think they can do a great World Cup, [get to the] semi-finals or the final. England has a good chance and I hope they reach the final and win it. They can do it, for sure.

"But the pressure on Brazil and England is bigger than any of the other countries," he added. "There is pressure on the Italians. But not like here. The pressure is from a combination of the media and the public. On one hand it's ludicrous. But it's dangerous. I wished when I had the job that I could calm it down. Not a chance. When you are going to the big tournaments it's absolutely fantastic, beautiful. But really a little bit crazy too."

Eriksson, nonetheless, expects England to be among the leading contenders after they "qualified in style". He believes key players are at their peak and, providing there are no serious injury problems in the lead up, feels Capello has a "great team" to take into the finals.

"You have a lot of players in that squad, Lampard, Gerrard, Rooney, Terry, Ferdinand, who have done big tournaments before. They're at the right age, they are great players and they're still getting better and better. If they all are fit, it's a great team."