Sven-Goran Eriksson believes creating the right atmosphere among players in the England squad is the key to success at major tournaments.

With England tipped for success at the World Cup in Germany this summer, Eriksson revealed one of his main concerns was to develop the right "ambience" when he was appointed to succeed Kevin Keegan five years ago.

Eriksson's opening match as boss, in 2001, was a friendly win against Spain, before he guided England to the quarter-finals of the World Cup and European Championship.

"I wanted to make things simple, playing positive football," Eriksson said of his approach before the 3-0 win against Spain.

"I started to talk, even if I only had two training sessions before the Spain game. I tried to get to know the coaches and create a good ambience in the group.

"Maybe that was the most important thing because you are hopefully going to big tournaments and if you don't have a good relationship and a good ambience in the group then it will be a nightmare. I felt things would be good in the future."

The "ambience" in the England squad has been questioned this season, with striker Wayne Rooney arguing with captain David Beckham in an ugly incident during the defeat to Northern Ireland.

That embarrassing defeat in Belfast in September was the second of two games when Eriksson changed his formation, with his decision roundly criticised.

But Eriksson is convinced his team is better than the one he inherited five years ago.

"We are much better today [than in 2001]," Eriksson told TheFA.com. "We are technically better, we have the right age, many of them have played the World Cup before and the confidence is much higher.

"I have much more experience of international football today too.

"I know what is going to happen in a tournament and I know how to prepare much better than before 2002.

"I am proud to have my job. I have never wanted to resign, even after the Northern Ireland game - no chance.

"And, now, here we are knocking on the door of the World Cup which is fantastic. The players know we can beat anyone and we don't need to be afraid of anyone."

Eriksson admits he thought it was a joke when he was first lined up to replace Keegan, who quit after a 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Germany at Wembley.

"It started when I was on a short weekend off because it was an international week. England were playing Germany at Wembley that weekend," recalled Eriksson.

"I was driving my car in Italy and it must have been just after the end of that match that [my agent] Athole Still phoned me and asked if I wanted to be the manager of England.

"I said, 'It's not the first of April', because I thought he was joking with me! I went to my chairman, (Sergio) Cragnotti, at Lazio and said 'I want to do it'."