FA clear Eriksson Sven limps on

Eriksson emerged unscathed from the inquiry into his affair with Football Association secretary Faria Alam.

But Taylor told BBC Radio Five: "If England do not qualify for the World Cup it may not be necessary to dismiss a manager.

"You should resign from your post because you're going to get dismissed anyway."

England's campaign to qualify for the 2006 World Cup begins in September with matches against Poland and Austria.

TAYLOR'S ENGLAND RECORD Played (all matches): 38 Won: 18 Lost: 7 (3 in major tournaments) Major tournaments: Euro 92 (eliminated at group stage) Resigned 23 Nov 1993 after failing to qualify for 1994 World Cup

Taylor's own reign as England manager ended with his resignation, prompted by England's failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup.

Former Watford and Aston Villa manager Taylor believes that Eriksson will come under pressure if England's qualifying campaign opens badly.

Taylor said of Eriksson's survival: "There were no grounds to sack him.

"He did not mislead the FA, he did not lie and the grounds for dismissing him were not there.

ERIKSSON'S ENGLAND RECORD Played: 42 Won: 15 Lost: 7 (2 in major tournament finals) Major tournaments: WC 2000, EC 2004 (eliminated at Q/F in both)

"I am sure there is nothing in his contract that says he cannot have an affair so how can you dismiss him?"

"I understand Sven has a contract to 2006 with an option for a further two years, although I am not sure whose side that option is on.