Eriksson tricked by radio prankster

Eriksson will be embarrassed at revealing England plans

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England coach Sven Goran Eriksson has fallen victim to a radio hoaxer pretending to be his predecessor Kevin Keegan.

Eriksson was taken in by the impressionist and told him that David Beckham was likely to be his first captain.

The Swede, who watched West Ham play Sunderland at the weekend, was asked what he thought of Joe Cole and Kevin Phillips and said he was impressed by both players.

Mike Maguire, who co-hosts north-west radio station Century 105.4 FM's breakfast show, called Eriksson at his Italian home to wish him all the best in his new job.

Eriksson replied: "Kevin, I thank you very, very much. I am coming back to England on Friday.

"Next week I will phone you and see if we can take lunch together. I want to talk to you."

Maguire asked: "David Beckham, is he going to be your captain?"

Eriksson answered: "Yes, I would think so."

The hoaxer also made fun of England goalkeeper David James, saying: "They call him Dracula because he doesn't like crosses."

Maguire's parting shot in the interview was: "I love you, Sven. God bless. I love you. Goodbye."

Maguire, who has tricked the likes of Alan Shearer, Martin O'Neill and Roy Evans, had no doubt that Eriksson fell for the prank.

"He bought about 95% of it and maybe towards the end he thought it was a bit odd.

"He's the man of the moment and it was just a laugh. We hope the people at the FA will see it that way."