Eriksson recently vowed to lead England to a trophy

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger have questioned the need for the matches against US and Colombia in May.

But Eriksson said: "We play two games against non-European teams, which is good thinking for the World Cup as it is the only chance we get to do that.

"There will be some young players going and it is a good chance to see them."

Ferguson and Wenger have suggested that the timing of the tour means players will not get the close-season rest they need but Eriksson disagrees.

He said: "I am not worried that the players will get too little holiday as, when we made fixture list for the World Cup qualifiers, my only request was not to play in June.

"I think it is very important that they have a good holiday and think about what is happening next summer with the World Cup."

However, Ferguson has threatened not to release his stars, which could mean Eriksson would be without the likes of Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.