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Sunday, 13 October, 2002, 17:42 GMT 18:42 UK
Eriksson feels pressure
Sven-Goran Eriksson wants to concentrate on England
Sven-Goran Eriksson wants to concentrate on England

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson admits he feels under pressure as details of his private life are revealed - but is coping for now.

Eriksson confessed he may "one day decide enough is enough", but insisted wins like the 2-1 European Championship victory in Slovakia have eased his burden.

England's Swedish coach has had to cope with revelations of an affair with television personality Ulrika Jonsson being made public in her book.


I could wake up one morning and say enough is enough, but I am coping with it - and winning helps
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson

And he has been hit by renewed claims that he was set to desert England and succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United until the Scot had a change of heart and stayed at Old Trafford.

He was asked whether it had been the most difficult week of his life, as preparations began for Wednesday's game against Macedonia at Southampton.

He said: "Football-wise, I would say no but otherwise, I could have lived without it.

"Football-wise, I've had many tough weeks during my 20 years in the game, as well as many good weeks.

"But my private life has never been so exposed like it is at this moment and has been so for months.

"As long as I cope with the pressure, it's okay. I could wake up one morning and say enough is enough, but I am coping with it - and winning helps.

"I am focused on the work I'm doing. I want to win football games and I want to reach Portugal 2004.

"It's very important for me to divide my private life from my public life. One thing is one thing and the other thing is the other thing.

"Of course, winning football games is one of the best things in the world, especially when England play away in their first qualifying game."

Eriksson was given a boost when Sol Campbell came through a full training session in Southampton.

Campbell missed the opening qualifying game in Slovakia because of to a bout of gastro-enteritis, which meant that he did not travel to Bratislava with the rest of the squad.

He is now likely to return to the side, possibly at the expense of Leeds defender Jonathan Woodgate.

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BBC Sport's Joe Wilson
"There will be a full house at the St Mary's Stadium"
 VOTE RESULTS
What is an acceptable result for England?

Battling victory
News image 13.67% 

Comfortable win
News image 54.80% 

Goal feast
News image 31.53% 

11689 Votes Cast

Results are indicative and may not reflect public opinion
Slovakia v England news

Slovakia 1-2 England

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13 Oct 02 | England
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