Eriksson believes in England World Cup victory

Former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has tipped England for World Cup victory in South Africa next summer, but only if they succeed in ignoring the “ludicrous” pre-tournament pressure and hype.

Eriksson, now director of football at League Two club Notts County, led England to the quarter-finals of Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

But the Swede believes current manager Fabio Capello, who said Saturday that places are up for grabs in his World Cup squad, can end England’s wait for a first triumph since their maiden win in 1966.

“The expectation is going to be huge. But I really think they can do a great World Cup, (get to the) semi-finals or final,” Eriksson told the Observer.

“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.

“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.”

England are already qualified for next year’s football showpiece and Capello is set to use the final two qualifiers – away to Ukraine on October 10 then at home to Belarus four days later – to cast his eye over the candidates.

Capello is expected to name a 28-man squad at the end of the Premier League campaign in 2010, and that will then be whittled down to 23 for the trip to South Africa.

The Italian confirmed that the next two matches could still play a role as he casts his eye over a pool of between 35 and 37 players.

But with limited opportunities to shine in international football between now and next May he has warned players they will have to make an impact quickly.

He said: “For this reason, the next games are important for me. We play only 12 games a year and before the World Cup squad is announced we play only four games – these two and the other against Brazil (in Qatar in November) and another we have to choose which country.

“It is possible that some new players will play one of these next two games. I don’t know if it will be the first or the second match. But I want to see the team improve because we have to play really well in the games before the World Cup.”