Sven-Goran Eriksson: Fabio Capello Has Stronger England Squad

Former England coach Sven Goran-Eriksson believes that Fabio Capello's current Three Lions' squad is stronger than when he was in charge some three years ago.

Eriksson lead England to the World Cup quarter-finals back in 2002 and then again in Japan and South Korea in 2006, although many believe that the current Notts County director of football had the players in place to do even better during his tenure in charge of the national team.

Since the rather ill-fated reign of Steve McClaren, England have thus far looked hugely impressive under the tutorship of Italian tactician Fabio Capello having already qualified for next year's World Cup in South Africa with a 100 per cent record in qualifying.

The Three Lions are currently the top scorers in the European section of qualifying with 31 goals and still have two matches remaining against Ukraine and Belarus respectively.

Despite the likes of David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, and Emile Heskey all being in their 30s, Eriksson feels that the squad is noticeably stronger than before.

"It is stronger now. I am sure about that," he said, as quoted by the Press Association.

"They have a lot more mature players, who are at exactly the right age.

"A lot of the important players have already been to major tournaments. That is bound to help as well. I just hope they can be successful."

The former Mexico boss went on to claim that England have all the ingredients in place to do well in South Africa next year.

"The players are there and the manager is good," Eriksson added.

"Everything is in place for them to do extremely well next summer.

"It is still a long way off, which is one of the problems, but I am sure England are capable of going very close."

Eriksson knows better than anyone that with high expectations comes considerable pressure although the one-time Manchester City manager is still confident that the Three Lions can continue their good form next summer.

"Expectations are always high around England. But that is part of the game," he said.

"No-one can deny England have been one of the best teams in qualifying.

"They have done so incredibly well. Now everyone will look to see whether they can maintain that form in South Africa. I think they can."

Stephen Darwin, Goal.com UK