Eriksson could be considering his future

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson could resign if Arsenal and Manchester United players pull out en masse of his squad to play Australia, according to a report.

The Daily Mail newspaper claims Eriksson feels very strongly about the reduction of fixtures in the international calendar.

It is said he does not want a rare chance to work with his top players ruined by widespread call-offs.

England meet the Socceroos at Upton Park on 12 February - their only warm-up match before a European Championship double bill against Liechtenstein and Turkey in March.

Man Utd take on Arsenal in the FA Cup three days after the Australia friendly and the Champions League resumes for both clubs soon.

That could mean Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger will be tempted to pull their star players out but, says the report, that could lead to trouble at the FA.

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has made life easier for Eriksson, however, by insisting he will not withdraw his England internationals.

But Houllier does want his national team counterpart to use common sense by not playing the likes of Steven Gerrard for the whole game.

There was no fall-out between Michael and me. I rested him because of our heavy programme ahead Gerard Houllier on Michael Owen

"Between 29 January and 2 March my players have 10 games. But I won't be stopping anybody going with England," Houllier said.

"I think Sven will take our situation into account."

Gerrard, in particular, is fragile to injuries and has only just returned to full fitness for Liverpool.

"Steven's injury problems are all behind him now, and he no longer goes to Paris for treatment," said Houllier.

"I will not stop him going, and you cannot have an agreement about how long he plays for, but you rely on the national coach being sensible.

"The target for Sven is to get his players at their best for the end of March when they face a double-header against Liechtenstein and Turkey - that's what matters."

Eriksson will have been pleased that Houllier rested Michael Owen for Liverpool's victory at West Ham on Sunday.

Houllier said: "There was no fall-out between Michael and me. I rested him because of our heavy programme ahead and the fact he has been playing a lot of games.

He has played four games in 11 days and it was the right time to leave him on the bench."