Sven-Goran Eriksson believes he will be sacked if England crash out of this summer's World Cup.
The Swede, the first foreign England manager, fears a first-round failure will have the critics calling for his head and will result in abrupt end to his reign with the national team.
"You know it is a difficult task to be a coach here and if three games go wrong they hunt you," he said. "Let's speak the truth, they are ready to cut your throat - especially if you are a foreign coach that has dared to invade an area reserved for the English.
"Our group in Japan is rather difficult with Argentina, Sweden and Nigeria and if I lose three out of the first three in the first round they could kick me out . . . well, they will kick me out," Eriksson said.
"I have signed a contract with the most prestigious football association in the world and from here on the English can kick me out if things turn for the worse".
The former Sampdoria and Lazio manager has not ruled out a return to club football should he not be a success for England.
PA