Eriksson upbeat about Euro chances

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson feels his squad is far better equipped for success at Euro 2004 than it was for the World Cup two years ago.

The Swede led England to the quarter-finals in Japan and Korea despite a catalogue of injuries which left a number of players less than 100% fit and others unable to play at all.

Now, with two years’ more experience under the belts of the players and the emergence of the likes of Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard, Eriksson is in upbeat mood with friendlies to come against Japan and Iceland this week.

He said: “The fitness level is much better. We don’t have any injuries as we had two years ago, when Steven Gerrard and Gary Neville did not even come to the tournament.

“David Beckham was not fully fit [nor was Michael Owen], Danny Murphy also, so it looks much, much better and that’s good.”

The players and coaching staff have spent the last week on the Italian island of Sardinia, and Eriksson was delighted at how it went.

“The week in Sardinia was good in general. It was good for the group mentality, combining work with a holiday. I think most of the players needed it after a long, long season,” he told Sky Sports News.

Eriksson’s plan for the friendly against Japan is set to be the tried-and-tested formula of starting with what he sees as his strongest starting XI, before introducing others after the break to “prove him wrong”.

Eriksson admitted he would be aiming for a win against France in England’s opening match on June 13.

“France may be the strongest squad in this tournament but it is better to win [against France] than to draw. I could maybe accept that [a draw]. It is not that bad, not at all.”

The Swede also believes Everton striker Rooney has the opportunity to make his mark on the tournament.

“I hope Wayne will be the big surprise in the tournament but he is 18 years old so we should not put too much pressure on him.

“Everything we are doing and have done in the last week and will do in the next two weeks is for the tournament. Tomorrow we start with what we think is the best team but I will see how many substitutes I use. I do not know now.”

He added: “Maybe it is not necessary for the players to play 90 minutes. On the other hand, those who do not start need matches as well. Some will not have played in a month.

“Japan will make life difficult. I hope England do not lose but I am sure Japan will try to beat us.

“I would rather not to lose the France game. That is much more important to me.”

England goalkeeper David James believes the “family unit” of the national squad can return home triumphant from Portugal.

The Manchester City number one, who will line up at his home ground for England against Japan tomorrow night, is encouraged by what he has seen over the last two years.

He said: “The intention is to go and win. We’ve got the talent on the coaching side. We’ve got the team – and by that I mean the entire squad.

“Provided everyone is going in the right direction and maximising their performance, we’ve got a chance, a very good chance.”

James felt the training camp in Sardinia had been beneficial as a team-bonding exercise.

“We enjoyed each other’s company very well,” he said.

“We’ve grown in the nucleus of squad. We have a good number of players in both squads (for the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004) and with the age and experience we have, it will have grown.

“I am the granddad of the team at 33. The age of the team has come down. There is a lot of experience and a lot of youngsters, which is good.”

James is delighted to go into the tournament as his country’s number one, but believes he always felt part of things even when David Seaman was above him in Eriksson’s pecking order.

“One thing I said while I was in Japan was that I felt so much a part of the squad.

“The gaffer had got me in amongst the squad and I didn’t feel alienated in any way. To have my chance to start has been just a growth in a family unit if you like. It feels like a natural progression.”