 Barwick has refused to criticise former England coach Eriksson |
Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick insists Sven-Goran Eriksson's reign as England coach was not an expensive mistake. Eriksson, who earned a reported �25m during his five years in charge, stepped down after the World Cup quarter-final defeat against Portugal.
It was the third time he had failed at that stage in major tournaments.
But Barwick told BBC Radio Five Live: "An expensive mistake? I would not accept that notion."
The FA chief admitted: "But we were all disappointed, him included.
"In qualification terms he was 100% in major tournaments but he himself would say three quarter-finals would not be considered the success he would have looked for.
"He thought this time there would be every chance of success but it did not happen."
Eriksson has been succeeded by his number two, the former Middlesborough manager Steve McClaren, who has brought in another ex-England boss, Terry Venables, as his assistant.
Barwick believes bringing Venables in was a smart move and denies there are any problems relating to him leaving the England post 10 years ago.
He added: "I think Terry sees something extra. He will not sit back and not tell Steve, he will tell Steve.
"He is no threat to Steve as the boss - that will be a mischief rumour, not reality.
"He has great experience, he will get on the field. He is a tracksuit coach, as Steve is a tracksuit coach. It is two brains."
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Interview: FA chief executive Brian Barwick 