Sven-Goran Eriksson death - latest: Beckham and Lineker join Prince William in tributes to former England boss
Tributes are pouring in from across the footballing world to former England manager Eriksson, who has died at the age of 76
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has died at the age of 76, his family has said. Eriksson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year and revealed in January that he had “at best a year left to live”.
The first foreign manager of the English national side, Eriksson was in charge of England’s ‘golden generation’ and oversaw 67 matches from 2001 to 2006.
He led England to the quarter-finals of three major tournaments, including the World Cups of 2002 and 2006, and also managed Manchester City, Leicester and Lazio in a lengthy career.
Eriksson was diagnosed with cancer after suffering a stroke while running near his home in Sweden. He bid a final farewell to the public in a documentary on his life, released on August 23.
Prince William, a patron of the Football Association, led tributes as he remembered Eriksson as a “true gentleman of the game”.
A few months ago, Eriksson lived out a childhood dream, taking charge of a Liverpool legends side in a friendly against Ajax having been a fan of the club as a child, and was also treated to a tour of the training facilities and meeting then-manager Jurgen Klopp.
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Tributes pour in for Sven-Goran Eriksson
David James said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Sven was such a wonderful man. [I am] shocked because as much as we knew that the illness was terminal, you’re never quite prepared for the eventuality.”
Swedish football add their tribute
Swedish football said on X: “Football has sadness. Sven-Goran “Svennis” Eriksson, one of Swedish football’s most influential coaches, has left us after a period of illness. With his outstanding coaching success, Svennis has inspired leaders in Swedish football for several decades, and his influence extends far beyond Sweden’s borders. Svenni’s international career took off in 1982 when he led IFK Goteborg to victory in the UEFA Cup. He has also won three league titles with Benfica, Serie A with Lazio and led the England men’s national team during two World Cups and one European Championship. Our thoughts today go out to Svenni’s family and friends at this difficult time. Thank you, Svennis, for everything you have done for football, both in Sweden and abroad. Rest in peace.”
Sven-Goran Eriksson picture tribute
Here are some photos from Sven-Goran Eriksson’s career:
Tributes pour in for Sven-Goran Eriksson
Kasper Schmeichel said on Instagram: “It feels very strange to have to write this, and I feel like I’ve had to write too many of these over the years. It was only yesterday evening that I sat and watched the documentary about his life. And what a life! We have lost an incredible man to whom I owe a great deal. Sven was the first manager to truly believe in me and give me a chance at the highest level. He was the first manager to call me world-class and he made me feel 10 feet tall. He gave me my Premier League debut, brought me to Notts County, and finally to Leicester where I enjoyed the best time of my career. It is a great loss to football and the world. I want to thank him for everything he did for me. My thoughts are with Sven’s family and friends at this most difficult time. Rest in peace, Sven”
Michael Owen pays tribute to former manager
Former England striker Michael Owen said on X: “Rest In Peace Sven-Goran Eriksson. One of the very best and a man who will be sadly missed by everyone in the world of football.”
Tributes pour in for Sven-Goran Eriksson
Former FA Executive Adrian Bevington said, reported by the BBC: “Such sad news. Sven was a wonderful person. I owe him a lot and he will be greatly missed by so many. Sincere condolences to his family. Sven you lived a great life and were such a positive person to be around. Despite a crisis or 2 we always smiled. RIP.”
Tributes planned for England’s match in September
England have announced their plans to pay tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson.
England said on X: “Always in our hearts. We will celebrate the life of Sven-Goran Eriksson at Wembley Stadium when England play Finland on Tuesday 10 September.”
Liverpool add to the tributes
Sven Goran-Eriksson was achieved a lifetime’s ambition when he was invited by Liverpool to manage the side during a charity match with Ajax.
Eriksson spent time at the club’s training group and meeting then-manager Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool said on X: “ Rest in peace, Sven-Göran Eriksson. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Sven’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”
Tributes pour in to Sven-Goran Eriksson
Former England goalkeeper David James was sharing his memories on BBC Radio 5 Live and said: “When Sven Goran-Eriksson took over the England job I had played the previous game and I didn’t have the best of games. He pulled me to one side for the next match and said ‘I am going to play David [Seaman]’.
“He then said, ‘you are really young and you’ll have pretty of opportunity in the future’ - he then picked me a number of times, including Euro 2004.
“One thing I used to laugh at - when we used to watch videos of the opposition, quite often the goalkeeper would make a mistake and he’d say, ‘he won’t be playing next game!’.
“The way he dropped me, he was always honest and straight - he gave you a belief there would be another opportunity.”
British Prime Minster expressed his feelings
Sir Kier Starmer said on X: “Deeply saddened to hear that Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away. He will be remembered for his tremendous contribution to English football which brought joy to so many over the years. Our thoughts are with his family.”
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