Eriksson won’t shirk the tough decisions

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON insisted he had never avoided big decisions as a manager as he prepared to show his ruthless streak by leaving Rio Ferdinand out of England’s World Cup qualifier against Austria.

Eriksson has not been exactly renowned for his decisiveness as England coach, appearing to rule by democracy rather than dictatorship, and often being criticised for his lack of strong leadership.

Indeed, some sceptics have questioned David Beckham's role in decision-making, while the England coach refused to drop Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard last month despite their loss of form and fitness.