England release throwback Sven-Goran Eriksson video on emotional night at Wembley | Football | Sport
England paid tribute to the late Sven-Goran Eriksson ahead of their first home match since the ex-Three Lions boss passed away.
Eriksson became the first-ever non-British manager of the England national team when he was appointed in 2001, with the Swede going on to lead the country at three major tournaments.
Eriksson passed away last month at the age of 76 having been diagnosed with terminal cancer earlier this year.
And on an emotional night at Wembley Stadium, a minute’s silence was held for the former England boss ahead of their UEFA Nations League tie against Finland.
It came after England’s official X account shared a heart-warming video paying tribute to the ex-Manchester City and Lazio chief before kick-off.
Captioned “Sven-Göran Eriksson, 1948-2024,” the close to two-minute long clip details some of Eriksson’s fondest memories as England boss, coupled with a voiceover taken from an interview with the man himself.
The montage showed iconic games, such as the 5-1 mauling of Germany in Munich, to David Beckham’s free-kick goal that secured qualification to the 2002 World Cup.
A much-loved figure of English football, Sven’s passing touched the heart of the nation, but the tactician pleaded for people not to be sad after he died.
Speaking in his final farewell message as part of a self-titled documentary he said: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well.
“You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, yeah, he was a good man, but everyone will not say that.
“I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it. Bye.”
A statement at the time of his death released by former agent Bo Gustavsson read: “After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family.
“The closest mourners are daughter Lina; son Johan wife wife Amana and granddaughter Sky; father Sven; girlfriend Yanisette with son Alcides; brother Lars-Erik with wife Jumnong.
“The family asks for respect for their wish to mourn in private and not be contacted. Condolences and greetings can be left on the website www.svengoraneriksson.com.”
Eriksson spent 42 years in football management, winning major honours in Sweden, Portugal and Italy.
His last venture into management came during a charity match at Anfield earlier this year, something Eriksson dubbed a ‘dream come true’.