- Sven-Goran Eriksson, Former England Manager, Passes Away at 76 after battling pancreatic cancer.
- He was the first non-British manager of the England national team from 2001 to 2006.
- Eriksson led England to the quarterfinals of two World Cups and the Euro 2004.
- His managerial career included successful stints with clubs in Sweden, Portugal, and Italy.
- Tributes have come from notable figures like Prince William and FA CEO Mark Bullingham.
- Eriksson was celebrated for his charisma, positivity, and caring nature.
Sven-Goran Eriksson, the former coach of the England national football team, has died at the age of 76 after bravely battling pancreatic cancer.
His long-time representative, Bo Gustavsson, confirmed the news, stating that Eriksson was surrounded by his family when he passed away. Eriksson’s health had been deteriorating for a while, and earlier this year, he publicly revealed he had received a terminal diagnosis, with doctors estimating he had at most a year to live.
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Eriksson’s management career was notable for its significant accomplishments, particularly his time with the England national team from 2001 to 2006. He made history as the first non-British manager to lead England, working with a talented squad that featured players like David Beckham, Frank Lampard, and Wayne Rooney.
Under his guidance, England reached the quarterfinals of the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups and the quarterfinals of UEFA Euro 2004. Although he did not win a major trophy, Eriksson’s teams produced memorable moments, including a remarkable 5-1 win over Germany in a World Cup qualifier.
Born on February 5, 1948, in Sunne, Sweden, Sven-Goran Eriksson began his football journey as a defender before moving into management. He started coaching in 1977 with Degerfors IF, earning recognition for his success in Sweden’s lower leagues. His managerial career took him across Europe to various clubs, including IFK Goteborg, Benfica, and numerous Italian teams like Roma and Lazio. Eriksson’s managerial skill was demonstrated by the trophies he collected, including the UEFA Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former England and Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 26, 2024
Our thoughts and condolences are with Sven's family and friends. pic.twitter.com/bY6HPtrwsU
After leaving the England job in 2006, Eriksson continued to manage various teams, including clubs in Mexico, the Ivory Coast, and English teams such as Manchester City and Leicester City. Despite his strong connections to Swedish football, he never took on the head coach position for the Swedish national team. Eriksson had a profound impact on the sport and was admired not only in England but also in Sweden, where he was affectionately referred to as “Svennis.”
Following his death, many tributes have emerged from the football community. Prince William, president of the English Football Association, expressed his condolences, calling Eriksson a “true gentleman” and praising his charisma and love for the game. Mark Bullingham, CEO of the Football Association, reflected on the fond memories Eriksson created for England supporters during his tenure.
Eriksson’s legacy in football will be remembered for his innovative methods and his talent for managing some of the sport’s finest players. His influence reached beyond the field, as he was known for his kindness and positivity, even amid his terminal illness. Earlier this year, he fulfilled his final wish by managing Liverpool Legends in a charity match at Anfield, which he described as “absolutely beautiful.”
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