Clock ticking for Sven

Mathematically, a failure to pick up three points on Saturday would not prove fatal to England's chances of automatic qualification, but their destiny would largely be in the hands of a Polish side who would be likely to clinch a place in Germany by remaining unbeaten.

That would mean England having to qualify through the 'back door' of the playoffs, a scenario unacceptable to the English footballing public and press which would surely mean the end of Eriksson's reign as coach.

Since he became England's first-ever foreign coach in October 2000, many in the British media have criticised Eriksson, with the coach earning only a brief respite on the back of his side's astonishing 5-1 destruction of England's nemesis, Germany, in the run-up to the 2002 World Cup.

But mediocre performances in South Korea and Japan and at Euro 2004 have added weight to the case for the prosecution and the debacle of last month's 4-1 friendly defeat to Denmark has seen the press knives out in number for Eriksson.

The feeling amongst the press pack is that the Swede is unable to inspire his side to have the confidence in themselves to defeat more illustrious opponents, as witnessed in the meek surrender of leads to Brazil and Portugal in the two tournaments Eriksson has guided England to.

Also, the optimism provoked by the less xenophobic England fans when Eriksson took the job after club success around Europe has also now faded, with supporters becoming as jaded with his off-the-field antics as much as his failure to provide them with a side capable of winning a major tournament.

Eriksson has made one significant move to placate his critics by seemingly discarding David James for good following the Man City keeper's farcical role in the defeat in Copenhagen.

But the problem for Eriksson is that, as everyone expects England to win the next two games, a further six points added to his side's tally come next Wednesday night will merely mean a stay of execution.

Eriksson - who has a contract with the FA until 2008 - has always said his side will be at their peak for the 2006 World Cup, but even if he brings the trophy to the self-styled 'home of football' come next July, it is likely to be his last act as England boss.