Sven-Goran Eriksson, coach of England's 'Golden Generation', dies aged 76

The Swede, one of the brightest minds in European football, saw his career derailed by the attention of the tabloid media

- LAWRENCE OSTLERE

Sven-Goran Eriksson, the manager in charge of England’s “Golden Generation” during the early 2000s, has died aged 76.

Eriksson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year after suffering a stroke while out running near his home in Sweden. He told a Swedish radio station in January that he had “at best a year left to live”.

Eriksson bade a final farewell to the public in a recent documentary. “I had a good life,” he said. “I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do.”

His death was confirmed by his family on Monday. “Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away,” a statement read. “After a long illness, SGE died during the morning at home surrounded by family.”

Eriksson’s illness had forced him to step back from his role as sporting director for Swedish club Karlstad, the last job in a long, varied and hugely successful career coaching across Europe and around the globe.

Eriksson had only a modest playing career in Sweden, describing himself as “a distinctly average defender … who rarely made mistakes”. To supplement his income, he taught physical education in schools.

He retired in 1973, aged 27, and moved into coaching under the man who would become his mentor – and later his assistant at England – Tord Grip, who was then in charge of Swedish side Degerfors.

Eriksson took over from Grip as manager in 1977 and his early success, winning promotion to the Swedish second tier, earned him a jump to one of the biggest jobs in the country, managing IFK Goteborg. There he delivered the Uefa Cup in 1982, part of a famous treble with the Swedish league and cup which skyrocketed his stock in the game.

Jobs in the Portuguese and Italian leagues followed through the 1980s and 1990s. Eriksson developed a reputation for his calm manner and shrewd tactical acumen; his structured, defense-first style was well suited to Italy’s Serie A.