Eriksson vows to continue as coach despite losing two allies

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has vowed to continue as England coach despite facing a new year without two of his closest allies after Steve McClaren ended his involvement with the national team.

McClaren understandably feels that he should be devoting his full energies to Middlesbrough, with the north-east club now enjoying a revival under his astute management.

That, however, is a considerable loss for Eriksson, who highly valued McClaren's coaching abilities and his close links with the England players.