England push contract issue with Eriksson

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON is expected to open talks with the English FA over their offer of a contract extension before England’s next friendly against Sweden at the end of this month.

However, there are still no guarantees the England coach’s long-term future will be settled before this summer’s Euro 2004 finals.

Eriksson has been regularly linked with interest from clubs such as Chelsea, with speculation having been rife that he will quit his post after the tournament.

The Swede has always maintained he intends to see out his existing contract until the 2006 World Cup finals.

The FA have indicated their desire to offer Eriksson a two-year contract extension, coupled with a significant pay rise in the meantime.

Eriksson has admitted he would have preferred any such offer to have come after the Euro 2004 finals, believing it has forced him into a corner.