Sven coy on Carrick role

Sven Goran Eriksson was coy on rumours he would play 4-5-1 against Ecuador.

Sven Goran Eriksson was keeping his cards close to his chest amid reports suggesting he would employ a change of tack for Sunday's clash with Ecuador, but did shed light on the fitness of a number of key players.

Speculation has mounted that Eriksson will adopt a 4-5-1 formation for the second round match, with striker Peter Crouch being omitted in favour of holding midfielder Michael Carrick.

With regular right back Gary Neville still sidelined, and Jamie Carragher not impressing in his stead against Sweden last Tuesday, Owen Hargreaves may also be drafted in.

Eriksson did concede that England need to be able to use different systems throughout their World Cup campaign but would not elaborate further on whether Carrick and Hargreaves would start.

The Swede was less evasive regarding his players' fitness, however, and confirmed it is unlikely Neville will be fit to play a part but there was better news on Rio Ferdinand.

"The concern is Neville. He will be on the bench but he is not ready for the game. Rio did everything in training and he's available," Eriksson told Sky Sports News.

Eriksson expects Wayne Rooney to be able to complete 90 minutes and shrugged off suggestions the searing heat forecast for Stuttgart would play a part in team selection.

"No it [the heat] will not play a part, the starting line-up does not depend on the heat, more on the way we want to play," said Eriksson.

"I hope Rooney's ready for 90 minutes but the match will decide that and it will be hot.  I hope he can play the 90 minutes and I think he will too.

"I will confirm whether Carrick will play tomorrow afternoon and as for Hargreaves, he can play any role in midfield and left back and right back.

"We have more options this time than four years ago. We have a lot of players in the squad who can play in the first 11."

Eriksson claimed England will need to improve their ability to retain possession, after admitting his side had not been up to scratch in their three group games.

"Sometimes, yes, it's been okay but for the 90 minutes maybe, no, but it's important we keep the ball tomorrow," he added.

"I think we'll be better tomorrow than in the other three games."

Running the rule over Ecuador, Eriksson has been impressed by much of what he has seen of Luis Fernando Suarez's surprise package.

"I have all the respect for Ecuador, I have seen videos of their three games. They are a good team, they played excellently against Poland in the first game," said Eriksson.
 
"They have good players, they are physically strong, they have a lot of pace in the team so they will fight tomorrow."