England will pay tribute to the life of Sven-Goran Eriksson at Wembley next month after the death of the former manager.
On Monday, the Swede passed away surrounded by his family at the age of 76 after being diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.
FA CEO Mark Bullingham hailed Eriksson for guiding England to a memorable 5-1 World Cup qualification victory over Germany in 2001, with a further tribute planned when the Three Lions play Finland in the Nations League on September 10.
He said: “This is a very sad day. 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 recognised and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team, and for his wider contribution to the game.
“On behalf of my colleagues at The FA, past and present, our thoughts are with his friends and family today. He will be much missed, and we will pay tribute to him when we play Finland at Wembley next month.”
Eriksson won trophies around Europe with the likes of Lazio, Benfica and Goteborg before becoming England boss in 2001. In three visits to major tournaments in five years, his side were knocked out at the quarter-final stage on each occasion.
After announcing his cancer diagnosis in January of this year, he made emotional appearances at boyhood club Liverpool, Lazio and other former teams.
Prince William, the FA president, led the tributes to Eriksson’s life and career.
He wrote: “Sad to hear about the passing of Sven-Göran Eriksson. I met him several times as England manager and was always struck by his charisma and passion for the game. My thoughts are with his family and friends. A true gentleman of the game.”
We are deeply saddened that Sven-Göran Eriksson, who managed the #ThreeLions from 2001 to 2006, has passed away aged 76.
— England (@England) August 26, 2024
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
Rest in peace, Sven. You will be greatly missed ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aLtqWAG8K4
The EFL is saddened to hear of the passing of former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson. All our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/lOulhgbTGW
— EFL (@EFL) August 26, 2024
Everyone at Leicester City Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former Manager, Sven-Göran Eriksson.
— Leicester City (@LCFC) August 26, 2024
Our thoughts are with Sven’s family and friends at this sad time 💙
Former club Manchester City posted: “We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sven-Goran Eriksson, who has passed away at the age of 76. Rest in peace, Sven.”
Benfica, a club which the Swede coached during two spells to great success, commented: “It is with deep regret that Benfica mourns the death of Sven-Göran Eriksson, aged 76. Rest in peace, coach.”
Roma wrote: “Roma mourn the loss of Sven-Goran Eriksson. He led the Giallorossi from 1984 to 1987, winning an Italian Cup. Our thoughts go out to his family in this moment of grief.”
We're tremendously saddened by the passing of our former Director of Football, Sven-Göran Eriksson.
— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) August 26, 2024
Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this very sad time 🖤 pic.twitter.com/wmAVa9q33m
Rest in peace, Sven-Göran Eriksson.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 26, 2024
The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Sven’s family and friends at this extremely sad time. pic.twitter.com/vn5qkn5RWc
We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sven-Goran Eriksson, who has passed away at the age of 76.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 26, 2024
Rest in peace, Sven. 🩵
Liverpool stated: “Rest in peace, Sven-Göran Eriksson. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Sven’s family and friends at this extremely sad time.”
A UEFA statement read: “On behalf of the European football community, everybody at UEFA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sven Göran Eriksson. A beloved figure in the game, Sven was a UEFA Cup winner as coach of IFK Göteborg in 1982 before leading Lazio to the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1999. Rest in peace, Sven.”
David Beckham said he would be "forever grateful" to a "true gentleman".
Eriksson became the first foreign manager of the England team when he was appointed in 2001, leading the team to three successive quarter-final appearances before leaving his post after the 2006 World Cup.
The 49-year-old former midfielder posted footage of a recent meeting with Eriksson on Instagram and wrote: "We laughed, we cried and we knew we were saying goodbye.
"Sven, thank you for always being the person you have always been - passionate, caring, calm and a true gentleman.
"I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain but I will forever hold these last memories of this day with you and your family... Thank you Sven and in your last words to me 'It will be ok'."
