Running Scared
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 9:55 pmEriksson keen to avoid Australia
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is hoping to avoid an 'Ashes rematch' with Australia in Friday's World Cup draw.
Eriksson admits he would rather avoid the "English speaking countries" such as Australia and the United States.
"They are desperate to beat England in a big tournament, which is why I don't want to play them," he said. "But there is a wider aspect to Australia.
"There is a sporting rivalry between the two countries. What I saw during the summer in the cricket was amazing."
Eriksson says he was taken aback by the passion shown by the two sides and admits he would not have sanctioned the friendly with the Socceroos in 2003 had he been fully aware of the historic rivalry.
There are some African sides I know next to nothing about
Sven-Goran Eriksson
"If I had known all about the rivalry, I would never have played that friendly against them," said the Swede, who fielded two completely different sides in a 3-1 defeat at Upton Park.
"It was far from a friendly game. They wanted to beat us - and they did."
England are set to find out who they will face at next summer's World Cup when the draw takes place from 1930 GMT in Leipzig on Friday.
Fifa's decision to install England as second seeds for the World Cup means they will avoid some of the tournament favourites, like Brazil and Argentina.
England's World Cup permutations
But they could still meet some of the stronger unseeded teams in the 'European' pot, which includes Holland, the Czech Republic, Sweden and Ukraine.
"We have played Holland three times in friendlies and they are a very good side," added Eriksson.
"Marco van Basten is building a new team and he has been very successful with it."
Eriksson admits he is not so well informed about possible African opponents such as Angola, Togo and Ghana, who will all be making their debuts in the World Cup finals.
"I will go to the African Nations Cup if we are drawn against an African team because there are some of these sides I know next to nothing about," revealed Eriksson.
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is hoping to avoid an 'Ashes rematch' with Australia in Friday's World Cup draw.
Eriksson admits he would rather avoid the "English speaking countries" such as Australia and the United States.
"They are desperate to beat England in a big tournament, which is why I don't want to play them," he said. "But there is a wider aspect to Australia.
"There is a sporting rivalry between the two countries. What I saw during the summer in the cricket was amazing."
Eriksson says he was taken aback by the passion shown by the two sides and admits he would not have sanctioned the friendly with the Socceroos in 2003 had he been fully aware of the historic rivalry.
There are some African sides I know next to nothing about
Sven-Goran Eriksson
"If I had known all about the rivalry, I would never have played that friendly against them," said the Swede, who fielded two completely different sides in a 3-1 defeat at Upton Park.
"It was far from a friendly game. They wanted to beat us - and they did."
England are set to find out who they will face at next summer's World Cup when the draw takes place from 1930 GMT in Leipzig on Friday.
Fifa's decision to install England as second seeds for the World Cup means they will avoid some of the tournament favourites, like Brazil and Argentina.
England's World Cup permutations
But they could still meet some of the stronger unseeded teams in the 'European' pot, which includes Holland, the Czech Republic, Sweden and Ukraine.
"We have played Holland three times in friendlies and they are a very good side," added Eriksson.
"Marco van Basten is building a new team and he has been very successful with it."
Eriksson admits he is not so well informed about possible African opponents such as Angola, Togo and Ghana, who will all be making their debuts in the World Cup finals.
"I will go to the African Nations Cup if we are drawn against an African team because there are some of these sides I know next to nothing about," revealed Eriksson.