GENTLEMAN SVEN`

IF GARETH Southgate was judged as a failure as England manager after failing to win a major trophy, where does that leave the late Sven-Goran Eriksson? The country's first foreign manager, appointed by a Scotsman, Adam Crozier, back in 2001, only managed to reach three quarter-finals, but his popularity never wavered with supporters.

The gentleman Swede may have arrived with a glittering CV at club level, but the selection of Kevin Keegan's successor was controversial and immensely unpopular at the time.

After Keegan had decided to resign in the lavatory at old Wembley, there was a persuasive clamouring for the Football Association to reappoint either Bobby Robson or Terry Venables.

The decision to head overseas did not sit well with the purists. Surely the England national team should be managed by an Englishman? Eriksson addressed all the criticism in his usual calm and calculated manner. In his first press conference he provided the perfect retort: "I am a Swede. I was offered the job and here I am." He had worked in Italian football for 14 years and had developed the skin of a rhino. We would soon learn that nothing tendered to ruffle Sven.

It didn't take him long to win those doubters round.

His reign began with a comfortable 3-0 victory over a Spanish side containing Casillas, Mendieta, Raul, Enrique and a certain Pep Guardiola.

By the September, he had transformed England into potential World Cup contenders for the 2002 finals in Japan and South Korea.

An unforgettable performance and stunning Michael Owen hat-trick resulted in a 5-1 victory over Germany in their own Olympiastadion.

It was Germany's first ever defeat on home soil in World Cup qualifying.

In barely eight months, Eriksson had restored a confidence, belief and pride in the national team after a dismal performance at the European Championships under Keegan.

That night in Munich made the world sit up and take notice of the so-called 'Golden Generation'. The fact that England had a Swede in the technical area faded Nationwide into insignificance.With a serial winner at club level now in charge, England were genuine contenders for major honours again.

Eriksson was no stranger to success and getting the best out of elite players.