Ferdinand up with the best - Sven

Eriksson has managed some of the best players in the world in his glittering career, including Alessandro Nesta, the man likely to become the most expensive centre-back ever should he leave Lazio.

However, the Swedish coach is insistent that Leeds United's Ferdinand is not only one of the best he has ever managed, but one of the best on the planet.

"Ferdinand is as good as anyone today - one of the best you can find on the market," said Eriksson, who led England to a historic win against Argentina on Friday.

"He will get better and better because he's only 23.

"Rio has always played well for us.

"In the last ten minutes against Argentina, he and the rest of the defence were excellent. I haven't asked him to do the organising but I did tell both Sol Campbell and Rio to talk, talk, talk all the time."