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.

In Their Own Story

The rain lashed down at Old Trafford as Sven-Goran Eriksson paced the technical area, his hands buried deep in his pockets. He watched Michael Owen sprint past the German defense, the roar of the crowd swelling into a deafening crescendo. For years, he had fought to convince three million people that this was not just another English team, but a modern force. Now, standing on the precipice of their greatest achievement in two decades, the weight of history felt heavier than the wet kit draped over his shoulders.

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?

• Eriksson was the first foreign manager of the England national team.
• 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.
• England lost to Portugal on penalties in the Euro 2004 quarter-finals.