By MSN’s Lee Harvey
Last updated July 04 2006
Well-ah, England’s sadly predictable penalty defeat to Portugal brought the Sven-Goran Eriksson era to an end. Three quarter final defeats in five and a half years, at a cost of 25 million pounds, means Sven’s time as England manager will be forever tarnished by failure.
But despite the tabloid scandals, a fondness for the ladies and an inability to resist any opportunity in increase his bank balance, the phlegmatic Swede made England fans believe, on many occasions, that his squad of England players could succeed where so many others had failed.
Here, in chronological order, are the highlights of Sven’s 67-game tenure as England manager.
1. February 2001 - England 3 – 0 Spain
Sven’s first game in charge inspires a strong performance at Villa Park. Goals from Nick Barmby, Emile Heskey and Ugo Ehoigu secure a comfortable win. Ex-England boss Terry Venables describes England as "svensational".
2. May 2001 - England 4 - 0 Mexico
On a Wednesday night in Derby, England play like Brazil for 25 minutes and produce a performance full of attacking flair. Scholes, Fowler and Beckham find the net early on. Teddy Sheringham applies the coup de grace with a 30 yard free kick.
3. September 2001 - Germany 1 – 5 England
Don’t mention the score! England destroy Germany in Munich with Michael Owen grabbing a hat trick. How good were we? Well, even Emile Heskey scored. Sven was seen chuckling on the bench as Oliver Khan picked the ball out of the net for the fifth time.
4. March 2002 – England 2 – 2 Greece
Last gasp Beckham heroics secure England the point they need to qualify for the World Cup. A notable achievement considering the mess Sven inherited from Kevin Keegan and Howard Wilkinson.
5. June 2002 - England 1 – 0 Argentina
David Beckham’s redemption against another old enemy. Sven’s tactics shut down the opposition. Michael Owen falls over in the box. Goldenballs does the rest.
6. September 2003 – Turkey 0 – 0 England
Sven in his element! England qualify for the Euro 2004 finals in the ever-friendly city of Istanbul. Iceman Sven ensures the Turks never get a sniff. England manage three shots on target and a Beckham penalty that went into Row Z but it doesn’t matter – a draw is good enough! The game is also fondly remembered for the 20 man brawl in the tunnel at half time.
7. March 2004 - Another new contract
Sven gives embittered employees everywhere hope by negotiating a £2 million salary raise. Not bad money for a part-time role.
8. June 2004 - Croatia 2 – 4 England
Sven unleashes Wayne Rooney to full effect on the international stage as England come from behind to qualify for the knockout stages. "I don’t remember anyone making such an impact since Pele in 1958" says an unusually effusive Eriksson.
9. November 2005 - England 3 – 2 Argentina
Sven introduces Peter Crouch late on and the big man with the surprisingly good touch turns the game. England stun Argentina with two late goals by Michael Owen and win the first and only meaningful friendly of Eriksson’s reign.
10. May 2006 - Sven the Faith Healer
Risking the ire of a Scotsman with anger management problems didn’t trouble Svennis. Using the power of positive thought and a crack team of non-Mancunian medical experts, Sven successfully predicts Wayne Rooney’s broken metatarsal mends in record time.
Useful links
Sven's worst moments as England boss
Your opinions - what do you think about Sven?
