Wenger lifts Cole and backs Eriksson to get it right

ARSENE WENGER backed Sven-Goran Eriksson as he revealed his pick-me-up advice to Ashley Cole - but insisted the search for the Swede's eventual successor should not be restricted to English coaches.

Wenger is aware of the huge blow to English football following the 1-0 defeat in Northern Ireland, having had to lift Cole's morale after collecting the defender from Belfast on his way back to London.

Wenger, who had been attending France's midweek win in Dublin, declared: "As I said to Ashley, remember that this England team is still young.