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| Sven-Goran Eriksson, former England manager, passes away at 76 after battling a prolonged illness |
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away. The Swedish coach, who was England’s first foreign head coach, guided the national team to the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, as well as Euro 2004. Throughout his distinguished career, Eriksson also managed clubs like Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio, Manchester City, and Leicester, among others.
The Swedish coach became the first foreign manager of the England men’s football team in 2001. He guided the "golden generation" of players, including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, and Frank Lampard.
Eriksson famously led England to a memorable 5-1 win against Germany in 2001. However, his time in charge also saw the team suffer painful quarter-final exits in three major tournaments.
The FA has announced that a tribute will be paid to Eriksson in September, when England hosts Finland in a Nations League match at Wembley.
Sven-Goran Eriksson - Major Honors in Management
IFK Göteborg
- UEFA Cup: 1981/82
Benfica
- 3x Primeira Liga: 1982/83, 1983/84, 1990/91
- Portuguese Cup: 1982/83
- European Cup runners-up: 1989/90
- UEFA Cup runners-up: 1982/83
Roma
- Coppa Italia: 1985/86
Sampdoria
- Coppa Italia: 1993/94
Lazio
- Serie A: 1999/00
- 2x Coppa Italia: 1997/98, 1999/00
- UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: 1998/99
- UEFA Super Cup: 1999
- UEFA Cup runners-up: 1997/98
England
- World Cup quarter-finals: 2002, 2006
- European Championship quarter-finals: 2004
A family statement read:
"After a long illness, Sven-Goran Eriksson passed away this morning at home, surrounded by his family.
"His closest mourners include his daughter Lina; son Johan with his wife Amana and granddaughter Sky; father Sven; girlfriend Yanisette with her son Alcides; and brother Lars-Erik with his wife Jumnong.
"The family kindly requests privacy during this time of mourning and asks not to be contacted.
"Condolences and messages can be shared on the website www.svengoraneriksson.com."
Eriksson managed several high-profile European clubs throughout his career, including Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, and Lazio.
Following quarter-final exits in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, as well as Euro 2004, Eriksson stepped down from the England role. He later went on to manage Mexico, the Ivory Coast, Manchester City, and Leicester City, along with clubs in China and the Philippines national team.
Due to health issues, Eriksson stepped down as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad in February 2023.
After revealing his cancer diagnosis, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by leading out the Liverpool Legends in a charity match against Ajax at Anfield in March. He described the experience as "absolutely beautiful" and a "huge memory" in his life.
"This is a very sad day," said FA chief executive Mark Bullingham. "He gave all England fans such special memories. No one can ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under Sven's guidance."
"Sven will be rightly recognized and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team and his broader contribution to football.
"On behalf of my colleagues at The FA, both past and present, our thoughts are with his friends and family today. He will be greatly missed, and we will honor him with a tribute during the Finland game at Wembley next month."
Eriksson's successor as England manager, Steve McClaren, who served as a coach under the Swede, said: "It’s incredibly sad to hear that Sven has passed away today. He was a true gentleman of football, and I was privileged to work with him for England. He became a close friend to me and my family."
"His calm demeanor, deep knowledge of football, and love of red wine will always be fondly remembered from our time together. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family on this difficult day."
Former England boss Roy Hodgson shared with Sky Sports: "I'm sure all the tributes are highlighting what a remarkable man Sven was because there’s really only good to say about him. Our connection goes back to the 1970s when I first moved to Sweden. He was a good friend and colleague."
"I got to know him very well, and our paths crossed so many times after that. We became close friends, and I have so many fond memories of him.
"Even though we knew this day would come, it doesn't make losing someone important in your life any easier.
"He was incredibly intelligent and undoubtedly one of the top figures in football during my time as a coach. People did their research when they appointed him England manager.
"He was a great man manager, and strong squads of players need that kind of leadership. Sven had that golden touch when it came to managing people."
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