Sven-Goran Eriksson, Former England Manager, Passes Away at Age 76

STOCKHOLM – Swedish football legend Sven-Goran Eriksson, who made history as the first foreigner to coach the England national team, passed away on Aug 26 at the age of 76. Eriksson's impact on the world of football will always be remembered.

Eriksson, a charismatic coach who led Swedish, Portuguese and Italian clubs to major trophies in the 1980s and 1990s during 42 years in the dug-out, announced in January that he was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer.

His long-time agent Bo Gustavsson said the former Manchester City boss had lost his battle with cancer early on Aug 26, surrounded by his family.

“We knew it was going to end bad, it all went really fast in the last few weeks,” said Gustavsson.

“I have been fascinated by him for a long time, he has always been so positive and has had time for others and never thought of himself, and he was that until the very end,” the agent added.

Eriksson took charge of England in 2001 and led the Three Lions to the quarter-finals of the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, and to the 2004 European Championship, managing a golden generation of players, including David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard.

In his role as president of the English Football Association, Prince William met Eriksson on many occasions.

“Sad to hear about the passing of Sven-Goran 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,” he wrote on X.