Sven's end nigh as Curbishley tipped to step in

Under-fire England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will stumble into next Thursday's crucial FA board meeting knowing bookies' favourite Alan Curbishley has already been cleared to replace him.

If Eriksson was expecting sympathy as he battles to clear his name over the PR shambles that accompanied his affair with FA secretary Faria Alam, he is not getting it.

With the League Managers' Association keeping out of a dispute they believe has caused more damage to the English game, only trusted assistant Tord Grip has so far spoken out on his behalf.