Germany want tough draw but U.S. are unconcerned
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-12-09 08:48

"The squad, the team is much, much stronger than it was three-and-a-half years ago," said Eriksson.

"I think we are technically much better and we are more experienced.

"We are one of four or five teams who can win it and we will have one week's more preparation, which I think will mean a lot to the squad."

The Swede also pointed to Lampard and fellow midfielder Steven Gerrard coming second and third behind Ronaldinho in last month's European Footballer of the Year award and highlighted England's 3-2 friendly win over Argentina last month as evidence of the team's increasing quality.

He dismissed any idea of England being frightened by the favourites or being susceptible to the kind of red cards shown this season to Rooney for Manchester United and Beckham for both Real Madrid and England.

"If you look at the list I don't think we need to be afraid of any of them - any more than they are of us - and the right word is not 'afraid' it's 'respect'," he said.

"You have to respect Brazil or Argentina or Holland if you meet them and you have to play very well. But I know that we can do that."

As for having the right temperament, Eriksson said: "All the players picked, from Real Madrid or wherever, will come into the World Cup wanting to win it.

"I'm not worried about the temperament of Beckham or Rooney. They will do everything right at the World Cup."