The England coach saw a young side win both games in their mini tour of the United States, against the hosts and Colombia, and says he now has more options as he prepares for the final qualifying games ahead of the 2006 tournament in Germany [Images].

"With a year to go, and if we don't have any injuries, things look very good," said the Swede. "I've never had a squad so strong, and I am very, very confident in the players."

He has also seen youngsters such as midfielder Michael Carrick, striker Peter Crouch and winger Kieran Richardson push their claims for more international recognition.

"I can now see more players challenging for a place," said Eriksson. "That's why this tour was so important for us. In a way it has created more problems for me in terms of selection but they are very good problems to have.

CARRICK PRAISED

"Some players have a good chance to come in. I have not seen Carrick for a long time and he has done well. He gives me a realistic midfield alternative because he sits in there, is very good on the ball and has a very good passing range.

"Richardson was fantastic in his first game (scoring twice). I liked what I saw from Peter Crouch. Luke Young came on twice and did well, and Zat Knight was fantastic."

England have lost just one game in 11 in the past season and can go into a World Cup campaign full of confidence.

"My impression is that we are getting stronger and stronger and if we have everyone fit we can give it a real go next summer. But we have to qualify first.

"Those players are coming to a certain age now where they have experience and if you want to win a big tournament you cannot do it with an average age of 24.

"You need to have experience, have to be clever when it is time to be clever, and I can see that in these players.

"If we have no injuries, we have a good chance."

England are top of qualifying Group Six a point ahead of Poland and five in front of Austria with four matches left.

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