Sven-Goran Eriksson: Former England manager dies at the age of 76 following terminal cancer diagnosis

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has died at the age of 76 after announcing earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. 

Eriksson took charge of England between 2001 and 2006 as part of a managerial career which also saw him coach Manchester City, Leicester City and Lazio.

Earlier this year, he managed Liverpool Legends in a charity match.

The former England manager revealing earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer said he had - “at best” - a year to live.

A statement said he died "surrounded by family" and added, “the family asks for respect for their wish to mourn in private and not be contacted.” 

In 2001, Eriksson became the first non-British manager to take charge of England and went on to lead them to the quarter-finals of three major tournaments.

At the 2002 World Cup, Eriksson’s England were beaten by eventual winners Brazil, with David Seaman infamously lobbed by Ronaldinho.
Trevor Sinclair was part of Eriksson’s squad in Korea and Japan and he has reacted to the death of his former manager, writing on social media how he is “gutted and eternally grateful”.

Two years later, there was more quarter-final heartbreak as they were defeated by host nation Portugal at Euro 2004 on penalties, before it was deja vu at the World Cup in 2006, as Portugal once again progressed at England’s expense via spot-kicks.

Despite failing to lead the so-called ‘golden generation’ of English players - which included David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney - to success, Eriksson faired well statistically.

He improved England’s world rankings from seventeenth to fifth during his time in charge, while his win percentage leaves him sixth in the all-time rankings for England managers.

The high-point fans will long remember under Eriksson was his team’s 5-1 thrashing of Germany in Munich in 2001.

Eriksson also took charge of Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines at international level.

At club level, the Swede managed high-profile European sides including Benfica, Roma and Lazio, before landing jobs with Manchester City and Leicester following his spell as England boss.

Eriksson lasted just one full season at City, with a heavy 8-1 defeat against Middlesbrough bringing his time at the club to an end much earlier than planned.

The final job of Eriksson’s life proved to be a dream come true for him, as he took charge of Liverpool Legends in a charity match at Anfield.

He said it had always been a goal of his to lead the club, and he got his wish during the exhibition match against Ajax earlier this year.

In tribute to Eriksson, FA President Prince William has praised him as a “true gentleman of the game.”