Eriksson hails Chelsea duo

Sven-Goran Eriksson was quick to praise the riches at his disposal after no less than eight England players were named in the PFA Premier League team of the year on Sunday.

And the England coach predictably highlighted the work of Chelsea duo John Terry and Frank Lampard, claiming either player would walk into any team in the world.

Terry was honoured by his fellow professionals with the Player of the Year gong after a season in which Chelsea's miserly defence has brought the club success at home and progress abroad.

Lampard, nominated for the award, was named in the team of the year with Terry and Eriksson is not surprised.

He told Radio Five Live: "If you talk about Terry and Frank Lampard, they could play in any team in the world. They have been great players for Chelsea, very important for Chelsea and very important for England."

Although Terry walked away with the top award, Eriksson is most impressed by the extent of Lampard's improvement under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho.

The Chelsea midfielder will go up against his England team-mate Steven Gerrard - his midfield partner in the all-star XI - in the first leg of the all-English Champions League semi-final against Liverpool this week.

The Swede said: "He's one of the best in the world and you have Steven Gerrard as well of course.

"Frank Lampard, the progress he's made - you couldn't believe he could be that good when he played for West Ham.

"On the pitch that's going to be a big battle. I'm happy because I can pick both of them for England."

Elsewhere in the PFA team, Terry's England partner Rio Ferdinand, of Manchester United, is included alongside Old Trafford team-mate Gary Neville and Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole.

Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips is named with Lampard and Gerrard in midfield while the season's unlikely hero, newly-capped Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson, is also honoured.

The three non-English players are Chelsea duo Petr Cech and Arjen Robben and Arsenal superstar Thierry Henry.

The inclusion of goalkeeper Cech and wideman Robben lifts Chelsea's quota to four players meaning the champions elect supply more players than any other club.