Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Swedish football coach who managed England from 2001 to 2006, died on Monday at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer, according to Eriksson's public representative. The Swedish player, who captained several teams and led England to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2002 and 2006, announced that he would retire in February 2023 for "health reasons"

"We all knew it but we didn't think it would happen today." Born on May 5 in Sunne, western Sweden, he became manager of Swedish team Degerfors IF in 1977, with IFK Gothenburg. He later found success abroad, coaching Benfica in Portugal as well as a number of Italian teams including Roma and Lazio. During his tenure, he led England to the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup, but they were knocked out by Brazil on another penalty, in a draw against Portugal. He left in 2006 after five years as head of the England office. His managerial career included a 5-1 win over Germany in a World Cup qualifier. The Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham said: "He has brought special memories to all England fans."

"Sven will be remembered for his time in England. He will be remembered for his time in England." Despite his important work for the Football Association, he has never coached a Swedish team in competitions that have included the likes of former Liverpool legends Ian Rush and John John Aldridge, who led his team to a 4-2 home win, earning him a standing ovation from the crowd. He entered the pitch as Liverpool fans sang "You'll Never Walk Alone." 

"It's going to be a great moment in this life," Erickson said. "It's beautiful