Didier Drogba believes his side are under more pressure to succeed in the World Cup than England.

The 32-year-old picked up an injury in the Mighty Elephants’ warm-up game against Japan after a clash with Tulio. However, his presence is seen as essential to the Ivory Coast’s chances of progressing in the tournament from the ‘Group of Death’ that also includes Brazil, Portugal and North Korea (10/11 to qualify from Group G).

Drogba is seen as the leading light in what is being called the “Mighty Elephants’ Golden Generation” and says that people back home expect them to be able to compete with the top teams.

“The expectation back home is so high, higher than England,” he said.

“Most of our players play for big teams and have won things with big teams. But for the country we have won nothing.”

Ivory Coast go into the tournament with stars such as Solomon Kalou, the Toure brothers and Emmaunel Eboue, and after achieving so much as individuals, the players are now targeting the World Cup as their first chance of International silverware (Ivory Coast 50/1 to win the tournament).

Drogba also believes that the addition of Sven-Goran Eriksson as coach will be a deciding factor in whether or not the Ivory Coast have a successful campaign. Eriksson, who guided England to the quarter-finals in both 2002 and 2006, replaced Vahid Halilhodzic who was sacked in January after a disappointing African Cup of Nations and Drogba believes that the experienced Swede could be the difference between success and failure.

“Eriksson is one of the best managers on the market and has done a lot of good things with the England national team,” added Drogba in an interview on BBC World Service.

“He is a very good professional and with his experience I hope we can beat one or two big teams at the World Cup.

“He knows there is a lot of work to do, that’s why he started very quickly when he got the job.”

The Ivory Coast open their campaign on June 15 against Portugal in Port Elizabeth. They then meet Brazil in Johannesburg and face North Korea in their final group game in Durban.

Kolo Toure, who is set to deputise as skipper in Drogba’s absence, says he couldn’t agree more with the striker’s opinion.

“He’s a top-class manager, one of the best in the world. We have a big chance and a great manager. We might be considered outsiders but we can make it.”

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