Eriksson: I am lucky

Sheringham flicks England towards the World Cup

If Sven-Goran Eriksson has the Midas touch, the Swede has revealed that he is blessed by luck too.

Eriksson's skill saw him transform the England team with five consecutive qualifying victories, including the 5-1 success in Germany last month.

But he was fortunate when Teddy Sheringham scored 10 seconds after coming on as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Greece at Old Trafford.

"I am lucky," said Eriksson.

I think we will do a very good World Cup

England coach Sven Goran Eriksson

"As a manager, you are not always so lucky that a player scores a goal after coming on as a substitute every time."

"Of course, that's luck, you can't expect that. But I think Germany had a lot of luck in this qualification as well."

Exactly a year ago Kevin Keegan resigned after a depressing home defeat by Germany.

Following a draw away to Finland, the team were left struggling with just one point from two qualifying games.

Fast-learning squad

England, following those five successive victories, also needed David Beckham's late free-kick in Saturday's game to ensure their place in next summer's finals.

Finland's draw with Germany in Gelsenkirchen played its part as well.

Eriksson, however, insisted that there was nothing lucky about Beckham's goal.

Eriksson signals Germany's draw with Finland

"When you see Beckham score in the last minute, that's not luck, that's skill.

"In seven free-kicks, he normally scores at least one of them."

Eriksson believes that the youthful nature of his fast-learning squad means that they can develop significantly before the finals take place next June.

"We have seven or eight months to talk about the World Cup and I honestly believe this team can and should be better, a lot better, for the finals," he said.

"We have many young players who can improve a lot yet and, every time they play together, they will get better and better.

"I think we will do a very good World Cup."