Eriksson agrees England step down deal

Sven-Goran Eriksson is to stand down as England manager after this year's World Cup.

It has been reported that Eriksson, who had two years left on his contract, will receive a pay-off that could be worth as much as £5 million.

The announcement followed a series of revelations in an interview with an undercover reporter, posing as a sheikh, from the 'News of the World'.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Eriksson slammed the newspaper's report as a "scandal" but declined further comment on the issue due to ongoing legal action.

However, commenting on the British media in general, he said: "I think it could only happen in this country, that's for sure. It's better to have a job with a lot of pressure than one without pressure, but I did get fed up with reading about my private life and I think people got fed up with reading about my private life."

However, Eriksson said that he had discussed his departure from the England job with the Football Association long before the newspaper revelations.

The 57-year-old Swedish-born football manager stressed that he remained focused on trying to lead England to World Cup glory in the finals this summer in Germany.

FA chief executive Brian Barwick, who appeared alongside Eriksson at the press conference, also gave him his support. He said: "It is important England go to the World Cup properly backed to win it."

Speculation is mounting over who will replace Eriksson as England manager. A number of Premiership managers have been mentioned in reports linking them to the job, including Bolton's Sam Allardyce and Middlesborough's Steve McClaren.

Other contenders who've been touted as Eriksson's potential successor, include former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill and Australia coach Guus Hiddink.

(KMcA/SP)