Eriksson looks forward

England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson believes the focus should now be on the World Cup this summer after confirming he will leave his post after the tournament in Germany.

Eriksson’s indiscreet comments to a ’Fake Sheikh’ Sunday newspaper journalist have indirectly led to him announcing his departure, although he insists discussions about departing before his contract expires in 2008 had already taken place.

Football Association officials will look for Eriksson’s replacement, while the manager will be linked to other jobs – but the Swede insists his focus is on the World Cup.

He told a press conference televised on Sky Sports: “Now there’s been an agreement and we have to look at the World Cup and concentrate on that.

“At the moment this is the most important thing because we have a chance to win it. Let us not spoil that.

“There will be a lot of rumours that’s for sure, every time a club is losing my name will crop up.

“I will not listen to other clubs and countries when there is football going on in England.”

Eriksson added: “We always had discussions about after the World Cup in 2006, we had a private agreement that – to a certain point – I was allowed to leave after the World Cup. It’s been very open.

“I’ve been asked to win the World Cup and after that I’ve been asked to look after my life.”