Eriksson puts hand up for England job

Sven-Goran Eriksson would jump at the chance to take charge of England once again at Euro 2012, but does not expect to be offered the job.

The Swede previously coached the Three Lions between 2001 and 2006, leading the side to quarter-final appearances at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and the 2004 European Championships.

Harry Redknapp is widely tipped to take over the role but the 64-year-old believes his relationship with much of the squad would boost his chances.

“They should take me! I know all the players. There are some good players coming in but there are still good older players,” Eriksson told the Daily Telegraph.

“Paul Scholes might come back again! Wayne Rooney’s incredible, he has everything and he is still only 26.”

“He is a mature footballer who controls his temperament more. He’s England’s match-winner. But it (the England job) will not happen because that would be considered by the press and the FA as going backwards.”

If hired, Tottenham manager Redknapp is likely to focus on his club commitments before turning his attention to England at the end of the campaign and Eriksson believes this could be detrimental to the squad’s preparations at Ukraine and Poland.

“If Harry Redknapp takes it from the end of the season and goes into (the) Euros it’s not a perfect situation for him because of the short time,” he said.

“If he takes the job, it would be better he does it after the Euros in the two years up to the World Cup.”

“Harry will take England but he will cry at the same time because he’s not ready. Has Harry finished the job with Tottenham?”

“It’s the last step to take with Tottenham, fighting for the league, going far in the Champions League. That’s very sad to leave behind.”

“But England is too big to say ‘no’ to. If you say ‘no’ it will never come back.”