By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer in Baden-Baden |
 Eriksson has come in for fierce criticism in Germany |
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has launched a passionate defence of his management, insisting he knows exactly what it will take to win the World Cup. Eriksson's side has faced criticism after four below-par performances, despite reaching the quarter-finals.
But the Swede denied lacking a gameplan or consistent selection policy, claiming: "I am prepared to do what it takes to win, even play badly.
"And don't tell me I don't know what to do. I know exactly what to do."
England will line up against Portugal on Saturday with a semi-final against Brazil or France at stake.
 | WORLD CUP BLOG Our man in the England camp |
Lacklustre victories over Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago and Ecuador, and a draw against Sweden, have led to suggestions that England will struggle against a top-ranked side.
But Eriksson was in combative mood as he finally came out fighting in a bid to dismiss claims his campaign has been shrouded in confusion and tactical inconsistency.
He said: "You have always doubted me, so there is nothing new about that. I have a clear vision, we all have, together with the coaches.
"If it is right or wrong is another thing, but it is clear what we do every minute we are together. I know exactly what to do."
And he insisted he had faith that England will produce their best when it matters.
"I don't think we have shown everything so far," he said. "but if that means we play bad football all the way then who cares?
"You try to play good football, but the most important thing is to win.
"If you see Ghana, Ivory Coast, Holland and Spain, they played wonderful football. But where are they now? They are at home.
"We can play better football and I am sure we are going to play better football. I have been confident about the World Cup for a long time. This team can do it."
Eriksson has also faced criticism for switching between a 4-4-2 and 4-5-1 formation in the tournament so far.
| I am not frustrated. I am very happy to be in the position we are |
Owen Hargreaves, who impressed against Sweden, was deployed at right-back against Ecuador with Michael Carrick handed his first competitive start.
But a clearly frustrated Swede said: "If we have only one system, you will ask me where is plan B?.
"We can use one or two systems - we have two at least. Then if we have two systems you will ask me where is plan C? What do you want me to answer?
"Owen can play at right-back and do it very well and the reason we put Carrick on for that game is that Ecuador had two central midfielders not three - they didn't have a playmaker like Luis Figo or Deco."
He added: "I am not frustrated. I am very happy to be in the position we are.
"We are in the quarter-final and we have a chance to play in the semi-final. I will do everything to do that.
"To play in the semi-final and then the final would be a dream."
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News conference: England striker Wayne Rooney