Tributes have been flooding in for the late England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who has died at the age of 76 from pancreatic cancer.
Eriksson's former agent confirmed that the Swede had passed away surrounded by his family on Monday morning, seven months on from the ex-England boss revealing his terminal cancer diagnosis.
Eriksson - regarded as one of the best managers in the world during his coaching prime - became the first-ever foreign manager of the Three Lions in 2001 and led the nation to two World Cup quarter-finals, as well as the last eight of Euro 2004.
Achieving great success domestically in Italy, Portugal and Sweden, Eriksson won 18 major trophies across his well-travelled career, and the Prince of Wales - who serves as president of the Football Association - was among those to remember the late Swede.
"Sad to hear about the passing of Sven-Goran Eriksson. I met him several times as England manager and was always struck by his charisma and passion for the game," Prince William wrote on X. "My thoughts are with his family and friends. A true gentleman of the game."
"Sven gave England fans special memories"
Sad to hear about the passing of Sven-Göran Eriksson. I met him several times as England manager and was always struck by his charisma and passion for the game. My thoughts are with his family and friends. A true gentleman of the game. W
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 26, 2024
Within just one year of being appointed England manager, Eriksson oversaw one of the Three Lions' most famous victories, a 5-1 crushing of Germany in a 2001 European Championships qualifier.
FA CEO Mark Bullingham highlighted that astounding result in his own tribute, saying: "This is a very sad day. He gave all England fans such special memories. No one can ever forget the 5-1 victory in Munich against Germany under Sven's guidance.
"Sven will be rightly recognised and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team, and for his wider contribution to the game. On behalf of my colleagues at The FA, past and present, our thoughts are with his friends and family today. He will be much missed, and we will pay tribute to him when we play Finland at Wembley next month."
The England men's team was just one of 16 nations or clubs that Eriksson took charge of during his career, including Manchester City, whom he managed from 2007 to 2008 in his solitary Premier League job.
"We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sven-Goran Eriksson, who has passed away at the age of 76. Rest in peace, Sven," said the reigning English champions, who also announced that the flags around the Etihad would be flown at half mast in honour of the Swede.
Chelsea, Liverpool among clubs to pay tribute to Eriksson
We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sven-Goran Eriksson, who has passed away at the age of 76.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 26, 2024
Rest in peace, Sven. 🩵
A couple of months after his terminal cancer diagnosis was announced, Eriksson fulfilled a lifelong wish to take charge of Liverpool, as he managed the Reds for a legends match against Ajax at Anfield.
A social media statement from the Reds said: "Rest in peace, Sven-Göran Eriksson. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Sven's family and friends at this extremely sad time."
Chelsea and Inter Milan joined in the tributes, with the Blues saying: "Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sven-Goran Eriksson. Our thoughts are with Sven's family and friends at this tremendously sad time."
Meanwhile, Serie A champions Inter posted: "FC Internazionale Milano offers its deepest condolences on the passing of Sven-Göran Eriksson and stands with the family and the entire football community during this time of mourning."
Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, West Ham United, Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion are among the other Premier League clubs to have expressed their sympathy after the death of Eriksson, who took charge of 1,207 matches during a 42-year managerial career.
