ERIKSSON'S ENGLAND TOP 10 Gary Neville Rio Ferdinand Sol Campbell John Terry Ashley Cole David Beckham Steven Gerrard Frank Lampard Michael Owen Wayne Rooney

Despite qualifying for Germany 2006 on Saturday England have been rounded on by domestic critics.

But Eriksson said: "At least 10 of my players are world class. They would be on a world top-50 list."

Owen added: "We'll go there with a squad that, apart from Brazil, I'm sure is not bettered."

Vice-captain Owen, who took over from skipper David Beckham when the Real Madrid midfielder was sent off against Austria on Saturday, backed Eriksson's comments and is setting his sights high for next summer's tournament.

"I would not settle for getting knocked out in the last four," added Owen.

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"The aim is certainly to get as far as the semi-finals - but it would not stop there."

With Beckham suspended for the final qualifier against Poland on Wednesday, Owen will captain the team - and he looks upon the task as a huge honour.

"It is a magical feeling to lead out your country - and even more of an honour when you see how easy it would be for the manager to give the armband to the likes of John Terry or Steven Gerrard," Owen told The Times.

"I am sure some people will say John or Steve are more obvious skippers but I like to think that I have people's respect."