Alam breaks silence on FA Key dates in the Sven saga

Eriksson was cleared of any wrongdoing by the FA in the Faria Alam controversy but he remains under intense scrutiny.

Owen told the News of the World: "Sven has my 100% support and total respect.

"I feel sorry for him and, of course, you're afraid he might walk out on us if they don't stop hammering him - it would be desperately disappointing."

The Liverpool forward, an automatic selection for his country under Eriksson, believed the Swede is still the best man for the job.

"Losing Sven would be really frustrating, a real blow. I mean, who replaces him? I certainly can't see a better man for the job.

"Obviously I'd prefer our Football Association to be run in a professional manner Michael Owen

"Yes, we have some good English managers but I'm not sure they could bring anything more than the man we already have."

Owen steered clear of the scandal which has seen the resignation of FA chief executive Mark Palios who, like Eriksson, also had an affair with FA secretary Alam.

"What's happening at the FA itself doesn't impact on me and I don't think it registers much with other players," he said.

"Obviously I'd prefer our Football Association to be run in a professional manner.

"What's important is we have a great game here in this country, a great national team and I think every other country would love to have what we have."