SIR Clive Woodward has taken a blast at Sven Goran Eriksson and his England World Cup flops after their penalty shoot-out flop.

Saints' director of football has said it is time to stop making excuses and to take action, and blamed poor preparation for England's demise in Germany.

"Those in charge of our football should act," the England rugby World Cup winner told The Sun. "They should ask 'why does this keep happening?'.

"Then they should identify whoever was responsible for not putting a stop to the rot and deal with him.

"I am not being wise after the event - but this could have been avoided.

"Former manager Eriksson and those around him did nowhere near enough to improve their chances of winning a shootout.

"Tournament after major tournament, we suffer the same shattering shambles - poor preparation and post-competition excuses. Well, I for one, am sick and tired of excuses."