IT'S about time people got off Sven-Goran Eriksson's back.

The England coach has come in for more stick this week for organising an end of season tour to the United States and for picking Emile Heskey in his squad for the next two World Cup qualifying games.

It seems the Swede can't do anything right with some people.

Maybe they should try looking at England's qualifying group league table. We are top and looking good to qualify under Eriksson, just as we did in the 2004 European Championships and the 2002 World Cup.

I don't agree with having a foreigner as England national coach but to criticise his work is ridiculous.

He gets us through to the finals of major tournaments and when we are there, makes sure we give a decent account of ourselves.

Some say anybody could do his job. Well, if that's the case, why bother having a coach at all?

Others complain he is not worth his £4 million salary but it is not his fault the FA pay him so much.

Recalling Heskey into the squad, going on tour to the USA in the summer, and even the frustrating act of making multiple substitutions in international friendlies might not go down well with the public, but they are not reasons to question Eriksson's worth as England coach.

The only criteria which should have a bearing on Erikssons future is results. If he does at least as well as he has for the last three years he should stay, and if he falls below those standards he should go.