World Cup Diary 13. Englands Progress.

England have progressed into the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup in Germany and face a final group fixture against Sweden considering a range of tactical options with a vibrant squad offering possibilities in all positions.

It is five years since Sven Goran Eriksson took charge and his cool modus operandi seems to suit a young squad of highly rewarded professional athletes. Captain Beckham has grown in stature with the development of the team and the players have found a whole country supporting their attempt to win a major trophy.

Argentina threw down a challenge when they smashed Serbia and Montenegro 6-0 with a display of pace and powerful attacking football .

It may be a timely reminder of the difficulties that lie ahead for the English team until now unblooded in this World Cup. Against Sweden the England squad can escape the pragmatic restraints of achieving qualification and take on a team capable of testing them.

On Tuesday Sven can get more minutes on the clock for Wayne Rooney and let Michael Owen do it his way and still have Crouch and Lennon to throw into the fray. The tall lanky Crouch climbed magnificently to score against Trinidad, achieving elevation and delivering a powerful header from a high aerial position. It was a great goal but requires a tactical plan that in itself may be limiting.

Our professional footballers now participate in the major world tournaments with the global public warming to the way we play the game and our players respected and admired from many quarters. The England supporters are noisy, passionate and love the game.

Eriksson has spent his time in charge attending English football matches at stadiums up and down the land. He knows his football and he knows the English game and has contributed towards getting the game to where it is know. He managed the team that beat Germany 5-1 in Munich. More progress is possible. Come On England.

World Cup Diaries courtesy of www.premiershipdiary.com