The first disc features works by Britons Elgar, Delius and Purcell, plus favourites Jerusalem and Rule Britannia.

David Beckham may soon be getting a CD

The second includes European classical selections and the third disc centres on works by Scandinavian greats.

The collection is released on Swedish label Naxos.

The Dambusters March, by Eric Coates, was reportedly withdrawn from the disc at the request of the Football Association, because it is used by England fans to taunt the Germans.

Speaking at the press conference, Eriksson said he would send a copy to injured England captain David Beckham, nursing a foot injury after Wednesday's Champions League match between Manchester United and Deportivo La Corunua.

Asked if classical music suited Beckham's taste, he replied: "I don't know if he's interested in classical music, but I will send him one, then it's up to him."

Rule Britannia is a flag-waving patriotic anthem

He said of his own musical tastes: "I grew up with Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard and The Beatles, Rod Stewart, Elton John and so on, but in the last 10 years I have begun to listen to classical music and I'm looking forward to presenting this music, I think it's very good."

Asked if he had a favourite track, he said: "No, I like them all."

The 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan starts on 31 May.

There is still uncertainty about who will record the official World Cup song for the England squad.

Reports that Swedish group The Cardigans had been chosen for the task were later denied by the Football Association.

England captain David Beckham is nursing a fresh injury to his foot and is doubtful to play in the World Cup.