Baku, August 26, AZERTAC

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has died at the age of 76 following a long illness, according to Sky Sports.

The Swede became the first foreign manager of the England men's football team in 2001, coaching the so-called "golden generation" of players including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard.

A family statement read: "After a long illness, Sven-Goran Eriksson died during the morning at home surrounded by family.

"The closest mourners are daughter Lina; son Johan with wife Amana and granddaughter Sky; father Sven; girlfriend Yanisette with son Alcides; brother Lars-Erik with wife Jumnong.

"The family asks for respect for their wish to mourn in private and not be contacted.

Eriksson managed a string of high-profile European clubs during his career including Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Lazio.

After defeats in the quarter-finals of the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and Euro 2004, Eriksson left the England role and would later manage Mexico and the Ivory Coast, as well as Manchester City and Leicester City, clubs in China and the Philippines national team.

Due to his health issues, he stepped down as sporting director at Swedish club Karlstad in February 2023.

After announcing his cancer diagnosis, Eriksson was granted his lifelong wish when he led out Liverpool Legends for a charity match against Ajax at Anfield in March.

He described that moment as "absolutely beautiful" and a "huge memory" in his life.

"This is a very sad day," said FA chief executive Mark Bullingham. "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."

Eriksson's successor as England manager, Steve McClaren, who was a coach for the national team under the Swede, said: "So sad to hear the news that Sven has passed away today. A true gentleman of football who I had the privilege to work with for England who became a close friend to me and my family.

"His calm demeanour and knowledge of football and love of red wine will long be remembered from my time with him. My condolences go out to his family on this sad day."