Australia

Sven-Goran Eriksson interested in Australia national team coaching role

Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed he is interested in taking the Socceroos to the 2018 World Cup in an exclusive interview with the Herald Sun.

“Yes, of course, I’m interested. It’s a big job, a big football country, you’re playing in the World Cup — again. You more or less always play in the World Cup,’’ Eriksson said.

On the other hand, the former England coach believed that the Socceroos could compete with France, Peru, and Denmark to progress to the World Cup knock-out stage.

“I have watched some Australian games and I watched the games against Honduras, the last games.

“France are big favorites in the group, but I think it will be a fight for second place between Australia, Peru, and Denmark. I think the chances for Australia (to advance) are good.

“The whole world would say France is favorite to win that group, but second I think it’s very tight. Any team there can beat anyone, it’s very open. Why not Australia?”

If Eriksson takes charge of the Socceroos, it will be his fourth appearance at the World Cup finals. He coached England to quarter-finals in 2002 and 2006 before failing to qualify for the group stage with Ivory Coast in 2010.

In June, he was sacked by second-tier team Shenzhen FC after just six months in charge.