SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON is facing burn-out as England boss

Has Sven lost his grip?

SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON is facing burn-out as England boss, according to close friends in Sweden.

The sensational claims come after the squad's rollercoaster World Cup campaign that has left the normally cool Swede mentally drained.

Eriksson has been at home with his parents Ulla and Sven in Torsby but pulled out of a recent charity event — claiming to be too tired.

His assistant Tord Grip last night confirmed Eriksson's state of mind, revealing: "Sven is worn down.

"I can understand it because of the highs and lows of the World Cup and there was a also lot of media attention at the tournament."

Speaking from Torsby, Eriksson's close friend Morgen Oldenmark revealed: "Everything has become so sensitive surrounding Sven and it has all become too much.

"Sven is is not as open as he used to be and the level of interest in his private life is overwhelming."

Swedish journalists, famously lenient and unobtrusive, have been unable to speak to Eriksson while he has been back home — which has been almost unheard of.

Until this summer, he has always been available for interviews and walked freely around Torsby where, as well as staying with his parents, he spends time with his children Johan and Lina.

This time Eriksson has decided to stay inside his house, refusing requests to speak.

Sources close to him claim the pressure surrounding his affair with Ulrika Jonsson and the intense interest in his private life have left him mentally exhausted.

Bjorn Hallden, who worked closely with Eriksson in arranging a celebrity golf tournament, revealed: "Sven told me he was not able to make it because he was tired of the Press.

"He doesn't want to answer any more questions."

And another close friend in Torsby, Micke Larsson, said: "Sven had always been able to be himself when he returns home. But he feels he cannot do that any more — and that is sad."

Eriksson handled himself well over the Jonsson scandal, the trickiest time of his England reign to date. He fielded all questions put to him at an awkward Press conference and was applauded for tackling the situation head-on.

He plotted victories over fierce rivals Argentina and Germany — one in the cauldron of the World Cup finals, the other in the Germans' backyard during qualification — but off-field pressures are taking their toll.

The Football Association will be keen to speak with Eriksson on his return from holiday to put their minds at rest over his future.

Another international manager facing up to stress is new France coach Jacques Santini, who is heading for a major bust-up with Highbury boss Arsene Wenger.

Santini, appointed as Roger Lemerre's replacement nine days ago, will demand that Arsenal's French stars join up with the national squad a day earlier than last season — a decision that is bound to infuriate Wenger.

The Gunners boss spoke out last season over the length of time players like Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Sylvain Wiltord and Robert Pires were away for international duty. Now Santini is ready to call in the players on Sundays rather than Mondays.

Santini warned last night: "I'm a meticulous man and it's true I can bear a grudge if I don't get my own way. I don't easily forget things and my aim is to get all players together on the Sunday."

Wenger will be fuming at Santini's plans, as will a string of other Premiership bosses who all spoke out against international call-ups last season.However, Santini is a known disciplinarian and has been quick to stamp his authority on the squad set-up.

Despite leading Lyon to the French title on the final day of last season, Santini has made a habit of falling out with players and coaches.

He offloaded Vikash Dhorasoo and star man Tony Vairelles after rowing with them, and even dropped key duo Edmilson and Eric Carriere for Lyon's must-win title decider against Lens.

And he has sent out a stark warning to the coaches of his players-step in line or risk his wrath.

Meanwhile, the new boss has been handed some good news after Chelsea star Marcel Desailly rubbished reports he is set to quit his country.

The skipper will not be following Frank Leboeuf, Youri Djorkaeff and Christophe Dugarry in retiring and said: "As far as I'm concerned, I am still extremely motivated at the idea of playing in the France side.

"I believe I can maintain my level of play and make my contribution to the team as i have done for the past few years.

"It didn't work out at the World Cup for a number of reasons and perhaps the page has now turned-but I don't think it is the end of a cycle for us."