Eriksson admits injuries fear
Eriksson admits injuries fear
Although he will not experiment any more, Eriksson said the door is open for fringe players to earn a place in his squad.

London: Sven-Goran Eriksson admitted he feels scared every time one of his England players hits the ground and said injuries pose the biggest threat to the country's World Cup hopes in Germany.

When the showpiece event kicks off on June 9, England will be one of the favourites to claim football's hottest prize when the final takes place a month later.

"That's the biggest problem we might have and we can't do anything about it," said the Swede on Thursday.

"Any time I see one of the English players going down, I am scared, almost. It's very important we have fit players in May, that's the most important thing."

England take on Uruguay at Anfield on Wednesday in their last friendly until May 30 and Eriksson said the time for experimentation is over.

"We'll start with the best possible team, the best XI. Of course, we have to pay attention to some players who played in the Champions League and the week after it will be the Champions League again, so I will have that in my mind."

"I am going to pick four strikers. Who is going to play with (Wayne) Rooney is not sure yet," the England boss said.

Charlton striker Darren Bent appears to be in with a chance after finding his form again following a pre-Christmas dip and Eriksson confirmed he will be in the squad, while injured Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate would have been too.

"He (Bent) will be picked, that's for sure. I thought to pick [Woodgate] but he is injured again so that is a pity," said the England boss.

Eriksson also hopes troubled Arsenal defender Sol Campbell will be in Germany this summer.

"I have talked to Sol and we discussed the World Cup. He wants to be there, that's for sure. Sol is always good to have on your side. He is a rock. I think he will do everything to be ready for the World Cup. It might be his last World Cup, as well."

Although he will not be experimenting any more before the World Cup, Eriksson insisted the door is open for fringe players to earn a place in his squad.

"The World Cup squad is announced in May so of course there is time," he said.

"This is the last game (before the final preparation friendlies) but after that I'll be going round to see matches as usual. In May we don't know who will have injuries. The door is open to any English players."

The Swede, who will step down after the tournament in Germany, also said he has no idea and no interest in who will succeed him in the future.

"I have no idea who will be England manager in August, and I don't want to know it either. It's completely up to the FA and the board," he said.

"I have no idea what I'm going to do in August or who is going to take my job. It's a big job, a fantastic job with the good team and the squad we have."

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