Fresh doubt has been cast over Sven-Goran Eriksson's long-term future as England boss after he reportedly admitted he will deserve the sack if failing to reach the last four in the World Cup.

The Swede is also alleged to have confirmed he will walk away from his post if England lift the trophy in Germany this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, Eriksson told a BBC conference: "If we win the World Cup, I will say goodbye and thank you. I think people will understand me doing that.

"I have always said that I wanted to be judged on football results. If we fail in the World Cup, I have to pay the price, that's fair. If we don't get to the semi-finals, it's fair that I don't stay in the job."

Eriksson was still reeling from a Sunday newspaper scam which saw him lured into making indiscreet comments about several England players.

"It was kick under the belt," he said. "I was disappointed it wasn't reported that I said Rio Ferdinand was the best defender in the world and that Wayne Rooney was the best footballer in the world."