England go forward with new confidence

It may be a while since octogenarian comedians, in the guise of the international committee, actually picked the national team, but it is not so long ago that the prospect of an England training session being joined by a slapstick comic would have had the Football Association's spin doctors rushing for the cover-up.

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It may be a while since octogenarian comedians, in the guise of the international committee, actually picked the national team, but it is not so long ago that the prospect of an England training session being joined by a slapstick comic would have had the Football Association's spin doctors rushing for the cover-up.

Yesterday, however, Adam Crozier, the FA's image-conscious chief executive, watched unconcerned as Sir Norman Wisdom, the star of such headline-friendly comedies as Trouble in Store and Just My Luck, disrupted England's last training session before tonight's crucial World Cup qualifier against Albania. Sir Norman, here to open a hospital, was for decades the most famous Englishman in Albania thanks to his films passing the strict local censorship.

Crozier's relaxed mood reflected the atmosphere surrounding the England camp since Sven Goran Eriksson took over as national coach. Though the presence of Sir Norman, and several hundred Albanians, meant plans to make the session private after 15 minutes had to be abandoned, Eriksson insisted it was not a problem. His assistant, Tord Grip, confirmed the refreshing sense of perspective the pair have brought to their positions when he said: "We have to remember this is the only joy for these people."

It is this capacity to ride with the unexpected and maintain an aura of control which prompts the belief that England can overcome this potential banana-skin fixture. Albania may not be a force, but they are no mugs. As Eriksson said: "We are England and we should win, but these games are no longer easy. To win we must make very few mistakes. They are very organised and counter attack well. I was surprised they did so well against Germany [on Saturday]. They deserved at least a draw."

Albania will miss their captain, the former Celtic defender Rudi Vata, and Edvin Murati, a left-winger with Lille, as both are suspended. If yesterday's Under-21 match is any guide they will concede space and invite England to find a way through. It would not be a surprise if the breakthrough, as in the Under-21 game, came from a penalty.

England's home defeat by Germany under Kevin Keegan means every match in this qualifying campaign is being played with a gun to their heads. A second victory in five days is thus required if they are to consolidate second place and put pressure on the leaders, Germany. Yet, while a draw would be disappointing and defeat potentially catastrophic, it seemed premature when Eriksson was asked by an Albanian journalist: "If you lose what will it mean to your future as coach of England?"

Once the self-conscious laughter from the English press had dissipated, Eriksson replied: "Let's not talk about what will happen if we lose. I am not worried about that."

With his five-year contract still in its infancy, Eriksson has no need for concern. Nor is he the sort to read omens into yesterday's announcement by his near namesake telecoms company that 3,300 jobs are to be lost, with shareholders calling for the resignation of the management.

The only change in this Eriksson staff is likely to be an enforced one, Nicky Butt returning in place of the injured Steven Gerrard. Three other players are under pressure but are expected to retain their places.

Chief among these is Andy Cole. Eriksson's faith in the Manchester United striker appears to have survived his glaring miss against Finland on Saturday. "I have spoken to him but only about small things I want him to do, not about the miss," he said.

While Eriksson conceded that, in the future, he may suggest Cole speaks to a sports psychologist the Swede uses, he did not see the need for him to do so at present. "If you are a centre-forward, and you are a little unlucky in scoring, it is always dangerous for your mental health, but he is relaxed," Eriksson added.

The full-backs, Gary Neville and Chris Powell, also have something to prove. Neither supported the attack as often as Eriksson would have liked at Anfield and it was noticeable that, in the training session on attacking play, they were replaced by Jamie Carragher and Ashley Cole. The other players involved in the exercise, including the striking combination of Cole and Michael Owen, came from the apparent "first XI".

"There will have to be one change but it will not be a revolution ­ it will be more or less the same team," Eriksson said. "You can't read anything into the practice today ­ though you could try." The most significant improvement in performance he wanted from Saturday's narrow win was, he said, "quicker passing and better runs". He added: "We have talked about that, about getting behind defenders."

Aside from the various distractions, which included a group of young women rushing on to the pitch to mob David Beckham, training appeared to go successfully, with the team happy about the condition of the pitch. The high level of local interest was maintained for the Under-21 game, with some locals watching from half-built blocks of flats overlooking the ground.

Less charming were several incidents of racist abuse directed at the black Under-21 players Darius Vassell, Titus Bramble and Shola Ameobi. The FA, aware of the possibility of such players as Andy and Ashley Cole, Chris Powell, Sol Campbell and Emile Heskey being similarly abused tonight, has made a formal protest. "This happens a lot to our black players in club and international games and it is time we had action rather than just words," an FA spokesman said. He added that the FA would be urging the removal of any fans who repeat this kind of abuse during tonight's game.

The home support will be diluted by an anticipated 2,500 English fans, all of whom will be asked to walk across foot-and-mouth disinfectant mats and searched for English food before entering the country. Since the first flock of sheep was seen only 100 yards from the airport, their concern is understandable.

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