FA brings Cup final forward FA under fire for Cup alterations

"The FA Cup final will be played on May 13 when the season will finish. That is what the people have told me," he said.

"For me, that is a guarantee. I don't have any concerns about that."

The Football Association board meet on Thursday and will have to find a way of honouring their promise to Eriksson to finish the season by 13 May.

With the Premier League unwilling to start the season a week early, the FA's main board initially planned to abandon fifth and sixth-round replays for clubs in Europe to ease fixture congestion.

But the FA's Challenge Cup committee voted against this last week - putting them in opposition to their main board.

At Thursday's meeting the FA's main board must decide whether to overrule the Challenge Cup committee - on which three of them also sit - or find another solution to the problem.

It might seem stupid but one week (extra with my players) is like gold Sven-Goran Eriksson

But Eriksson remains unconcerned.

"I'm not concerned at all," said Eriksson.

"Even as late as last week, I secured from the FA and the Premier League that the England squad would have the four weeks. I'm quite happy about that."

Eriksson is adamant that it is crucial he has time to rest and then prepare his players for a World Cup after a long, intense season.

"It's even more important for the England team than other teams in Germany or Spain or whatever, as we are the only country in Europe not to have a winter break," said Eriksson.

"If we have one week's less preparation at the end of the season as well, that says everything.

"It might seem stupid but one week is like gold. It's absolutely vital for the players as I will do absolutely nothing with them that week. That will help them physically and mentally."

FA director of communications Adrian Bevington said: "The FA board have confirmed that they would provide the four-week window.