The former England manager, now in charge of the Ivory Coast, has his own problems with Didier Drogba undergoing an operation after breaking an arm.

But he is still hopeful his side can set up a potential semi-final with England.

Eriksson said: "If they (England) don't have more bad luck with injuries they have a chance to go the whole way and I would be happy for them if that happens.

"I think they have a good chance. I hope Rooney will stay fit. I think he is extremely important for England as Drogba is for us."

When asked would England reach the final of the World Cup, he replied: "Yeah, why not, or the semi-final against the Ivory Coast."

Eriksson was waiting to hear from a specialist in Switzerland for news on whether Drogba would play any part in the tournament.

On Ferdinand's injury, he said: "It's sad news. Rio Ferdinand is one of the best defenders in the world. Bad news for England and bad news for the World Cup.

"But England have a lot of good footballers, especially if you talk about midfielders and defenders."

Eriksson also admitted he had been a Liverpool fan all his life, although he kept his allegiance quiet when he was England manager.

The former Manchester City boss thinks the club will have no problem attracting a new manager following the sacking of Rafael Benitez and insisted he would like to return to the Premier League some day.

Eriksson, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme, said: "My situation is easy. I have a contract with the Ivory Coast until the end of the World Cup and then I am free. Hopefully I will sit on some bench somewhere in the world, I don't know where.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world so everybody wants to be a manager in the Premier League."