Sven-Göran Eriksson, Former England Manager, Passes Away at 76

Sven-Göran Eriksson, the first foreign manager of the England football team, has passed away at the age of 76. His family confirmed the news, stating that Eriksson died after a long illness during the morning at his home, surrounded by loved ones.

In early 2024, Eriksson had publicly revealed his battle with pancreatic cancer, sharing that he had been informed he likely had “at best” about a year to live. Prior to his death, he stepped down from his role as sporting director at Karlstad in Sweden due to health issues.

Eriksson’s career spanned over four decades, during which he achieved remarkable success. He began managing in Sweden with Degerfors IF before moving to IFK Göteborg, where he won the Swedish title and the UEFA Cup in 1982. This success led him to Europe, where he managed renowned clubs such as Benfica, Roma, and Lazio.

His appointment as England’s manager in January 2001 made him a notable figure in international football. He guided the England team, often referred to as the ‘golden generation,’ which included iconic players like David Beckham and Frank Lampard. Eriksson’s tenure included significant victories, such as the memorable 5-1 win against Germany in Munich.

Despite facing criticism for not maximizing the potential of England’s squad, Eriksson led the team through three major tournaments, reaching the quarter-finals at each. His departure following the 2006 World Cup followed a series of personal controversies that affected his role.

Eriksson managed several clubs and national teams after leaving England, including Manchester City and Mexico, before concluding his managerial career with the Philippines in 2019. He had recently celebrated a cherished dream by leading Liverpool Legends in a charity match against Ajax, describing the event as a “beautiful day.”

Tributes have poured in from various figures in the football community, including Prince William, who expressed his condolences and admiration for Eriksson’s contributions to the sport. Eriksson’s impact on English football will be remembered by fans and players alike.