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England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is beginning to be spoken of in the same breath as the legendary Sir Alf Ramsey after leading the nation to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Ramsey set the benchmark back in the 1966 when the World Cup was lifted for the first - and only - time.

Eriksson, however, is now only three games away from emulating that feat. Here PA Sport's Ken Gaunt looks at the characteristics of the two men.

TACTICS

Under Ramsey, England were known as the "wingless wonders". He preferred to play it narrow through the middle. He caused a furore by leaving out leading striker Jimmy Greaves in the finals - but still came up trumps.

Eriksson favours 4-4-2, although he is not afraid to switch things around when the need arises. Apart from the draw with Sweden when too many long balls were played England have shown remarkable patience considering they are a young side.

MAN-MANAGEMENT

Best summed up by Sir Bobby Charlton, one of the heroes of 66, who said Ramsey was "professional to his fingertips" and "as popular with the players as any manager I have ever seen."

According to defender Rio Ferdinand, Eriksson "has brought simplicity to our game. His strength is he doesn't beat around the bush or complicate things."

PERSONALITY

To the outsider, he was distant and aloof and treated the media with disdain. But Ramsey, who beforehand had steered Ipswich to the league title, hardly deserved to be cast into the wilderness after delivering the World Cup to England.

Already Eriksson has become known as the King of Cool. According to one observer the man is tighter-lipped than a ventriloquist.

But he is proving to be a winner as the results against first Germany and then Argentina have proved.

ORGANISATION

Ramsey was known for his meticulous planning and preparation. As a player he was cool and thoughtful and he brought those qualities into management.

Before Eriksson, England were fearful to the point of paranoia and almost totally lacking in self-esteem. From the moment he took charge they became more like a club side.

RECORD

Unsurpassed, well Ramsey did secure the World Cup. During his 11-year tenure from 1963, the former Ipswich manager had a formidable record winning 69 of their 113 games, drawing 27 and losing only 17.

England's first foreign coach has taken the side from no-hopers to realistic candidates to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy for the first time in 36 years. Under Eriksson, they have lost only twice in 19 matches.