Sven-Goran Eriksson Tenure

Lore & Background

Eriksson's England team won 5–1 away to Germany in Munich on 1 September 2001, and a late David Beckham free-kick equaliser against Greece on 6 October 2001 sent England directly to the 2002 FIFA World Cup. At the 2002 World Cup, England drew with Sweden, defeated Argentina 1–0, drew with Nigeria, beat Denmark 3–0 in the Round of 16, and lost 2–1 to Brazil in the quarter-finals. At UEFA Euro 2004, England lost to France after leading 1–0, beat Switzerland 3–0 and Croatia 4–2, then lost to Portugal on penalties in the quarter-finals. In 2006 World Cup qualifying, England lost 1–0 to Northern Ireland on 7 September 2005, their first defeat to that opponent since 1972.

Reader's Guide

Eriksson managed England from 2001 to after the 2006 World Cup. His contract was extended in March 2004 to cover UEFA Euro 2008, but he left after the 2006 tournament. England reached the quarter-finals in both the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, not the semi-finals.

Did You Know?

• His first match in charge was a 3–0 friendly win over Spain at Villa Park.
• England's 5–1 win in Munich in 2001 was Germany's first home loss in World Cup qualification.