During his time as England manager he couldn’t get his team past the quarter-final stage of a competition, but Sven-Göran Eriksson is enthused about their chances at next summer’s delayed European Championships.
With Gareth Southgate in charge and a number of games taking place at Wembley Stadium, the Swede believes this is the perfect opportunity for the Three Lions to finally win their second major tournament. However, he believes the English press and public shouldn’t go overboard with their expectations, despite their hugely encouraging 2018 World Cup campaign.
Speaking exclusively to UCFB, the former Lazio boss said: “In England sometimes I get the feeling that they forget the competition to win a major tournament is incredibly high – it’s not only England where they play good football!” He added: “There are a lot of other teams. It’s difficult, but why not [win it]?”
Sven marks out England’s pace and ability on the counterattack as a key route to success. That, and the fitness of captain and goal scorer Harry Kane. Sven, more than most, is all too aware of the impact an injury to a country’s talisman can do going into a tournament.
Beckham and Rooney’s metatarsals were front page news when, in 2002 and 2006 respectively, each suffered the same injury prior to a World Cup. Both played in each tournament but were clearly not 100% fit.
He said: “England have to pray that Harry Kane is fit and in good shape. You need a natural goal scorer to win a big tournament and he is a natural goal scorer for sure.”
