Former Southend United boss Peter Taylor has backed England's new Swedish manager Sven Goran Eriksson to be a success.

The 52-year-old coach of Italian giants Lazio has agreed a five-year deal to take over the national team next summer - the first non-Englishman to be offered the post.

And despite the Football Association's controversial move being greeted by severe criticism from many of this country's top soccer chiefs, Taylor believes it is the right choice.

"I'm proud of my country and I would have preferred to have seen an Englishman as manager of our national team," said Taylor, who will work alongside Eriksson as part of the new set-up.

"But the FA has decided to go for Sven and we should give him our full backing."

Leicester City manager Taylor will lead England into friendly battle in Italy on November 15, where Eriksson is sure to cast an eye over the players he is set to inherit.

And Taylor believes the Swede will do a good job. "The FA have got a five-year plan and they see Sven as the man to take England back to the top," he added.

"He's a top coach and has won major trophies throughout his career and I'm certainly looking forward to working with him.

"I'm sure the techniques used by Sven will make me a better manager, which will be of benefit to Leicester as well.

"And I'll hopefully be able to help him in return by giving him advice about players. It will take a little time for Sven to get used to things, but I'm sure he'll be a success."

Finally, Taylor admitted he had never received inside information about the Swede's appointment.

"I didn't have a clue as to what was going on behind the scenes," he said.

Sven-Goran Eriksson - England's caretaker manager Peter Taylor is tipping the new national coach to be a success

By Bernie Friend

Reporter's e-mail: bernie.friend@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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