Aristocrat who led the nation on roller coaster of highs and lows

THE contrast between Sven-Goran Eriksson and the man he replaced as England manager could not have been more stark.

- Giles Sheldrick

While Kevin Keegan wore a tracksuit - and his heart on his sleeve - the cultured Swede was impeccably dressed and softly spoken.

The appointment of the first foreign coach and a footballing aristocrat to the top job had an instant impact.

Few will recall Sven's debut match in 2001, a 3-0 friendly win over Spain with goals from Nick Barmby, Emile Heskey and Ugo Ehiogu plus a penalty save from sub goalkeeper Nigel Martyn.

But it was the start of a new era that took in highs and devastating lows.