Sven-Goran Eriksson: Former England manager dies aged 76
The Swede became the first foreign manager of the England men’s football team in 2001, coaching the so-called “golden generation” of players including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, and Frank Lampard.
In 2000, Sven – one of those rare people in football and public life known by their first name – came to English football in a time of flux. Kevin Keegan had quit the England team in dramatic circumstances, and Peter Taylor had assumed temporary charge. England were homeless, with Wembley being rebuilt, and many might remember his first game in charge – a 3-0 friendly win over Spain at Villa Park – saw broadcaster Sky give the viewers the choice of a “SvenCam” to watch the new manager. Different times indeed.
That first England team: James, Phil Neville, Powell, Butt, Ferdinand, Campbell, Beckham, Scholes, Andy Cole, Owen, Barmby. Subs: Gary Neville, Martyn, Brown, Ehiogu, Phillips, Sheringham, Fowler, Heskey, Lampard, Carragher, Wright, Ball, McCann.
And in the opposing midfield: Pep Guardiola.
Spain: Casillas, Manuel Pablo, Romero, Guardiola, Abelardo, Mendieta, Raul, Enrique, Urzaiz Aranda, Helguera, Unai. Subs: Sergi, Canizares, Victor, J. Etxeberria, Javi Moreno, Baraja, Paco.
The tributes are pouring in from English football but he was a major figure in Sweden, Italy and Portugal, too. When England turned to him in that winter of 2000, they turned to one of the world’s great managers, who had delivered success through the 1980s and 1990s. After England, he travelled far and wide, and there are a couple of jobs he might have had – he was signed up to be Blackburn boss in December 1996, but then reneged, and then in 2002 was all but signed up to manage Manchester United, only for Sir Alex Ferguson to renege on his retirement plans. A different manager, a players’ manager, and someone who enjoyed life, too.
Eriksson’s children celebrate ‘good and positive person’
A statement has been issued by Eriksson’s children, which reads: “Our father Sven-Göran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Björkefors outside Sunne this morning. He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but now it came to an end.
“Our thoughts go out to Sven-Göran’s father Sven; girlfriend Yaniseth and her son Alcides; to his brother Lasse and wife Jumnong, as well as to all good friends and acquaintances in Sweden and around the world.
“Dad told us at the beginning of this year about his serious illness and received an amazing response from friends and football fans around Europe. He was invited to several football teams in England, Italy, Portugal and Sweden. They shared their love for football and for dad. It was unforgettable for both him and us. He expressed his appreciation and joy and stated that such beautiful words are usually only uttered when someone has died.
“‘I get to hear it while I’m alive and I’m incredibly grateful for that. The heart beats twice and the tears come. I have had the best job in the world and I was happy every day for long periods. It’s been fantastic,’ he said.
“We have shared his gratitude and got to experience the wonderful meetings between him, football and all his friends. We thank everyone for these positive memories and your support during his illness.
