Ex-England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson dies at 76

 

Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Swedish football manager who led England from 2001 to 2006, passed away on Monday at 76 following a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to his agent. "He died peacefully this morning with his family at his side at home," said Bo Gustavsson, Eriksson’s agent.

Eriksson, who managed several prominent teams and guided England to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2002 and 2006, had stepped back from public life in February 2023 due to health concerns. He revealed in January that he had pancreatic cancer and that his prognosis was dire, with his doctor estimating he had "at best maybe a year (to live), at worst a little less."

"Although we were aware of his condition, the news came very suddenly. We weren't prepared for it to happen today," Gustavsson told AFP.

Born on February 5, 1948, in Sunne, Sweden, Eriksson, known as "Svennis," found significant success as a manager after his modest career as a defender. He began managing in 1977 with Swedish club Degerfors IF, leading them to success in lower divisions before attracting the attention of larger clubs. He went on to manage IFK Goteborg in Sweden, Benfica in Portugal, and several Italian teams, including Roma and Lazio.

Lazio expressed their gratitude on social media, stating, "Thank you for everything you have done for us, coach."

Eriksson's most notable role was as the first foreigner to manage England’s national team. Under his leadership, England reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2002 and again in 2006. His tenure also included a memorable 5-1 win over Germany in a World Cup qualifier and two defeats to Portugal in penalty shoot-outs at the 2004 Euros and the 2006 World Cup.

Mark Bullingham, CEO of England’s Football Association, mourned his passing, noting, "He gave all England fans such special memories" and praised his significant contributions to football.

Prince William, who met Eriksson multiple times during his presidency of the English Football Association, described him as a “true gentleman of the game” and expressed his condolences to Eriksson’s family.

Eriksson also managed teams in Mexico, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines but never the Swedish national team. In March, he realized a lifelong dream by managing Liverpool Legends in a charity match, where his team won 4-2 against Ajax Legends. Eriksson was deeply moved by the experience, recalling the emotional standing ovation he received from the crowd and the singing of the Liverpool anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”