Former Three Lions coach Sven-Goran Eriksson believes England's expectation levels will be at an all-time high for the World Cup. England head to Ukraine on Saturday with their World Cup place already secure thanks to eight straight victories so far and there is a growing belief that the team can achieve success in South Africa under the guidance of Fabio Capello.

"Expectation will be like always - the closer to the World Cup, the more favourites England will be if you talk to people and read the press," he said.

"In one way it is a little bit dangerous, but in another way it is beautiful because all of the country will breathe football.

"Maybe now expectation will be even bigger because of the way they have qualified."

The Swede reached the quarter-finals in Germany before losing on penalties to Portugal.