Sven: Mourinho can succeed as England manager

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Eriksson had five years in charge of England and knows Mourinho can transfer the triumphs he enjoyed with Chelsea and Porto on to the international stage.

Out of work: Mourinho

While insisting Mourinho is not the only candidate he is backing for the post, Eriksson was gushing in his praise for the Portuguese coach and has offered his help to the FA in their search for Steve McClaren's successor.

He said: 'He has shown he was good with Porto and Chelsea so, if he can win trophies with them, he can do that with England.

'The job is the same. When you get to the stadium it's the same as being at a club as you are dealing with players. I can understand the clamour for him to be England manager. He was a success and the press loved him.

'But I am not supporting Mourinho to be England manager. I am supporting everyone.'

Mourinho has been touting himself as potential candidate this week but Eriksson admits there could other posts across Europe that he might prefer to take.

He added: 'It's up to him whether he wants to do it. The success he has had means big clubs will be interested in him, the biggest in Europe no doubt.

'So whether he wants to do club management again, I don't know. But the biggest football job in Europe, in the world, is to be the England manager.

'The Champions League is big and fantastic but to compare it with the World Cup, no chance. The No 1 number one stage in the world. To be involved in the World Cup is everything.'

Eriksson claims Mourinho's friendship with the Chelsea players in the England squad would be a help. But the Swede, who was attacked over his wages and personal life while working for the FA, insisted Mourinho must fulfil three criteria to become a success.

Eriksson added: 'You have to win every game and have nothing in your private life and are hopefully earning not too much money. If you have those, you can do it.

'I would help them if they asked me. But it is completely up to the FA and I have no idea how they are thinking.'