Keep your cool, Eriksson warns England

Sven-Goran Eriksson will warn his players to keep their cool just before they run out for their high-pressure Euro 2004 opener against France tomorrow night.

The England coach is determined to ensure his team’s chances are not undermined by a loss of composure from any of his players.

After all, in David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, he has two players who have sometimes been prone to reacting to challenges, while Paul Scholes can steam into early mistimed tackles.

Asked what would be his final words of advice before kick-off, Eriksson revealed: “To keep it cool in their heads, whatever happens.

“In the big games, that is one of the most important things. If you lose your head, you lose your tactics, your shape and everything else.

“You can pick up yellow or red cards, so stay as a group, talk to each other and think.”

Asked if he would be nervous just before kick-off in Lisbon, Eriksson admitted: “Of course. Before all big games, you feel it inside and you are nervous.

“But with the job I have, I shouldn’t show that in the dressing-room. If I’m nervous, it’s not good for the players.”

The Swede also revealed he now feels more English after just over three years in the national team job.

“I always said that the job I have is huge, maybe the biggest in the world and I’ve always been extremely proud to have it,” he said.

“When I go round England, I’ve never heard a bad word said to me. People always say ’come on Sven, you’re doing a good job’.

“That’s very nice, but let’s say whether it’s the same at the start of July!”