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Eriksson pledges future to England
ISTANBUL, Oct 12 (Reuters) -- Sven-Goran Eriksson says he will definitely be at the helm for England's Euro 2004 campaign. Eriksson needed only one word to end weeks of mounting speculation that he is joining big spenders Chelsea, telling reporters after England's 0-0 draw in Turkey that "yes" he would still be in his job for the European championships in Portugal. Eriksson is contracted until 2006, but has been linked with Chelsea since being spotted at a meeting with billionaire owner Roman Abramovich. The speculation was then fuelled by Chelsea subsequently buying two of Eriksson's former players from his Lazio days -- Argentines Juan Sebastian Veron and Hernan Crespo. The Swede's latest commitment to England should finally put the speculation to rest and allow him to focus on a tournament where he fully expects his side to go far. "We are one among several teams who could win Euro 2004," he said. "To beat England today in a real game is not easy. But France, Germany and Italy are good as well." Eriksson is proud of his side, who came through a week of turmoil and boycott threats to earn Saturday's draw and who had assured their coach it would be alright on the night. Players back Eriksson"I talked to the players on Thursday and Friday and they all said I should be calm and not worry at all," Eriksson said. After the game, the players backed a coach with only one defeat in 19 competitive games -- a World Cup quarter-final loss to Brazil -- since taking effective charge in February 2001. "It is very important for him to take us into Euro 2004," said midfielder Steven Gerrard. "His record in important matches speaks for itself. I don't think there is anyone better to take us into this tournament. We need him to stay." Goalkeeper David James echoed that sentiment, saying: "Going into the tournament, it is key that he is in charge. He got us there. If you look at his record since taking over in the World Cup qualifiers, it is tremendous." Both players believe the week's events surrounding defender Rio Ferdinand's exclusion from the squad for missing a random dope test brought them closer together for Saturday's decisive qualifier and a place in next year's tournament in Portugal. Skipper David Beckham, who ballooned a penalty over the bar, summed up their achievement by telling reporters: "This was probably the biggest test of this team, because of the week we've had and having no fans at the game. "But we came through it with a lot of character." Copyright 2003 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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