Eriksson commits to England

England coach Sven-Göran Eriksson has ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract keeping him in the job until UEFA EURO 2008™.

New deal
Eriksson was already committed to the Football Association (FA) until 2006, but reports in England have linked him to a return to club management, most specifically at Chelsea FC. But the Swedish coach, who took over in early 2001 and reached the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, has agreed a two-year extension to his current deal ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against his home nation in Gothenburg. His assistant Tord Grip has signed a similar new contract.

'I am happy'
Speaking on Sunday morning, Eriksson said: "I am happy. The team is extremely good. I think they can do big, big things. I hope that we can stop the speculation now. Chelsea have never offered me anything."

'Great news'
FA chief executive Mark Palios added: "This is great news for England fans and the England team. He is one of the best managers in the world."

French opener
England finished unbeaten at the top of qualifying Group 7 to earn a place in UEFA EURO 2004™ this summer. Their Portuguese campaign begins with a match against holders France before fixtures against other Group B rivals Switzerland and Croatia.