Eriksson plays it cool

Eriksson (left) arrives at the news conference

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson insists his World Cup preparations will not be affected by claims of an affair with television personality Ulrika Jonsson.

Eriksson was at the centre of a media scrum when he attended the launch of England's World Cup suits in London.

He refused to be drawn on his relationship with his fellow Swede, and said his main focus was on finalising his plans for England's squad for Korea and Japan.

Eriksson admitted he was uncomfortable with the media spotlight on his private life, but said he had no complaints about inaccuracy in reports of an affair with Jonsson.

Ulrika Jonsson is alleged to be having an affair with Eriksson

He said after being quizzed about the recent revelations: "That's a question which is private.

"The England squad is not private - you will know on 7 May who is going to be picked or not picked - but my private life I prefer to have that private.

"My private life is my private life and that's it.

"It's not easy, as I have seen in the last three or four days, but I never had any intention of commenting on my private life. I won't do it today or any other day.

"My job, I go on with, even if have to use violence, almost, to get into the car in the morning."

Eriksson added: "I thought I had a very good school for this in Italy, but it was just kindergarten.

"I expected these kinds of questions, but of course it is better to go to a press conference after you have beaten Germany 5-1 in Munich.

"It is not pleasant to be followed 24 hours a day, not by one person but by 20, but I can't do anything about it."

Eriksson, who confirmed he had not spoken to England's players, added: "I have spoken to the FA and at the moment we are working for World Cup preparations.

"But this is my job and I will not be distracted."