Sinclair unsure about penalty

Sinclair appeared to trip over his own feet

Trevor Sinclair admitted he did not know whether he had been fouled for the penalty that gave England their goal against Sweden.

David Beckham slotted home the spot-kick - although Sweden hit back later for a 1-1 draw - but the penalty award looked harsh on the Swedes.

There was the slightest of contact, and Sinclair appeared to trip over his own feet, but Christoffer Andersson was adjudged to have fouled him.

I think Sinclair did well in the first half and Anderton did OK in the second

Sven-Goran Eriksson

"I was just about to kick the ball with my left-foot but I seemed to lose my footing.

"I'm not sure whether he caught me but the referee had no hesitation."

Sinclair blamed himself, however, for Sweden's leveller.

"I was a bit disappointed with the free-kick I gave away for their goal, it was sloppy play from me, but I hope I will get the chance to play again," said the winger.

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "We played well in the first half, they played very well at the beginning of the second half.

"Then after the substitutions we created some good football.

"I thought we played some good football and other times we let Sweden play a bit too much.

"We could have won the game but 1-1 is OK."

Eriksson added: "It is 33 years since England has beaten Sweden and we will have to wait another year and beat them in the World Cup!"

The England boss admitted it was hard for some of his players to stake a claim for a World Cup berth.

"I think Sinclair did well in the first half and Anderton did OK but it is very difficult in 30 minutes to say 'I am the man'."

Eriksson aims to beat Sweden at the World Cup

Eriksson said motivation was no problem for the game but added: "There is a little bit of difference between a friendly and a World Cup qualifier."

Beckham said the manager's nationality played a large part in their motivation for the friendly.

"That was the only reason we wanted to win it.

"The manager said before the game he wanted to win it so much and we tried to for him," said the skipper.

Beckham added: "It was hard to get ourselves up for the game because of the last game, and for the fans as well, I was surprised how good they were.

"It was a carnival atmosphere with no tension - we were just enjoying ourselves."

Kevin Phillips, who made his first appearance under Eriksson, said: "I only got 60 minutes and it was a tough match.

"I'm sure I will be judged on scoring goals but I'm happy in myself."