FA treads softly on Sven to save English blushes

THE FA stepped back from taking Sven-Goran Eriksson to task over his latest indiscretions because they did not want to disrupt the England team ahead of the World Cup.

Eriksson was taped making controversial remarks about several senior players to an undercover reporter and talking about lucrative job possibilities, even though he is under contract until 2008.

The FA reacted with a strong message of support for the England boss but the furore has disturbed leading members of the organisation.