Eriksson calls for calm

Eriksson showed no nerves ahead of World Cup test

England v Greece, Saturday 1500 BST at Old Trafford

Sven Goran Eriksson has ordered England's players to keep cool in the fight for World Cup qualification against Greece at Old Trafford.

Coach Eriksson sends England out in front of a 67,000 sell-out crowd knowing victory will almost certainly guarantee a place in Korea and Japan next summer.

Eriksson insisted he was suffering no nerves in the countdown to the Greek showdown - and wants his players to adopt the same approach.

But he admitted he did not expect his England side to have their World Cup fate in their own hands when he took over as coach from Kevin Keegan.

Fowler's in the frame

England's build-up has been overshadowed by drinking allegations involving Steven Gerrard, Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman.

And he has also had to cope with injuries to key figures David Seaman, Sol Campbell and Michael Owen.

Fowler is expected to partner Emile Heskey in attack, with Nigel Martyn replacing Seaman in goal.

Eriksson was focusing his attention solely on Greece as he said: "Normally we can handle the pressure, but we know there will be almost 70,000 inside Old Trafford and a lot of people watching in England and the rest of the world, so it is important we keep our heads cool.

"It will be nice to come into Old Trafford for the game - let's hope it is nice to leave afterwards. If we win we will probably qualify for the World Cup.

Owen ruled out by injury

"I honestly didn't expect us to be in this position. It will be nice to play good football, but the result is the most important thing."

Eriksson added: "I'm not nervous, but I feel in my body it is an important game. I've never had a problem with nerves, but of course we are delighted to have our possible qualification for the World Cup in our own hands."

Eriksson insisted the lurid headlines accompanying England's build-up had not affected his squad's attitude.

He said: "I am very happy for England and myself to be in this situation. I said before the German game that to have the chance to win the game to qualify would be wonderful, and it is good that we now have this opportunity.

Gerrard will play despite problems

"Now we have an even better chance than before the Germany game."

Eriksson praised his squad for their approach, saying: "It is very good to have a squad that makes the manager have a lot of thoughts about if he is doing the right or wrong thing.

"They have worked hard, they have shown how much they want to play, and they have been very professional.

"We have lost players to injury, but if you want to play in the World Cup and be a top country, you have to have players waiting to come in."

Eriksson expects a tough examination from Greece, warning: "I expect them to play much better than they did against Finland away - for themselves, their manager and their country. It will not be an easy game."