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England won't win World Cup - Sven

Sven-Goran Eriksson left his England post after a quarter-final exit at the 2006 World Cup © Getty Images

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Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson insists Roy Hodgson's side will fail to win the World Cup in Brazil next year.

But Eriksson believes Russia could offer England the opportunity for glory in 2018.

England sealed their spot for next year's competition by winning, despite some difficulties, their European qualification group.

But the former winners missed out on top seeding for next year's finals and Eriksson said a run to the quarter-finals would be a good return for the "young" side.

"I don't believe they can win the World Cup in Brazil," Eriksson told BBC Radio 5. "There are a lot of young players coming in. Maybe in Russia.

"I think it's easier to win it there than in Brazil. For a European team to win in South America is not easy.

"Expectation does not seem to be what it was in the past and I think that's very good for the team. The quarter-finals would be very good. It is time for a semi-final or final."

During his five-year tenure with England - in which he led his side to the last eight at three consecutive major finals - Eriksson was a strong advocate of the Premier League introducing a winter break in order to benefit the national team at tournaments, a view which he still holds now.

"It's not that difficult," he said in an interview to promote his autobiography. "Take one week in January and give the players a week off, then take them in and prepare for the game after.

"I think everyone agrees if you take a break it will be very good for England.

"Is that the main thing holding England back? For sure, it's one thing, maybe the easiest thing. I know players would love it and they would feel better for the rest of the season."

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