Sven-Goran Eriksson death – latest: Tributes pour in as former England manager dies after illness

England have announced their plans to pay tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson.

England said on X: “Always in our hearts. We will celebrate the life of Sven-Goran Eriksson at Wembley Stadium when England play Finland on Tuesday 10 September.”

Sven Goran-Eriksson was achieved a lifetime’s ambition when he was invited by Liverpool to manage the side during a charity match with Ajax.

Eriksson spent time at the club’s training group and meeting then-manager Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool said on X: “ 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.”

Former England goalkeeper David James was sharing his memories on BBC Radio 5 Live and said: “When Sven Goran-Eriksson took over the England job I had played the previous game and I didn’t have the best of games. He pulled me to one side for the next match and said ‘I am going to play David [Seaman]’.

“He then said, ‘you are really young and you’ll have pretty of opportunity in the future’ – he then picked me a number of times, including Euro 2004.

“One thing I used to laugh at – when we used to watch videos of the opposition, quite often the goalkeeper would make a mistake and he’d say, ‘he won’t be playing next game!’.

“The way he dropped me, he was always honest and straight – he gave you a belief there would be another opportunity.”

Sir Kier Starmer said on X: “Deeply saddened to hear that Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away. He will be remembered for his tremendous contribution to English football which brought joy to so many over the years. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Tottenham said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former England manager Sven-Gran Eriksson. The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the Club are with Sven’s friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Sven.”

Everton said: “Everyone at Everton send our condolences to the family and friends of former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson following his passing at the age of 76. Rest in peace, Sven.”

England said on X: “We are deeply saddened that Sven-Goran Eriksson, who managed the Three Lions from 2001 to 2006, has passed away aged 76. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. Rest in peace, Sven. You will be greatly missed.”

We have already brought you tributes from Gothenburg and Manchester City, but his other former clubs have also paid tribute.

Benfica said on X: “It is with deep regret that Sport Lisboa e Benfica mourns the death of Sven-Goran Eriksson, at 76 years of age. Rest in peace, Mister.”

Fiorentina said: “Fiorentina joins the [football] family in mourning the passing of Sven Göran Eriksson.”

While Sampdoria chose the more simple: “Ciao Sven,” accompanied by a blue heart.

Statement from Sven-Goran Eriksson’s children: “Our father Sven-Göran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Björkefors outside Sunne this morning. He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but now it came to an end.

“Our thoughts go out to Sven-Goran’s father Sven; girlfriend Yaniseth and her son Alcides; to his brother Lasse and wife Jumnong, as well as to all good friends and acquaintances in Sweden and around the world.

“Dad told us at the beginning of this year about his serious illness and received an amazing response from friends and football fans around Europe. He was invited to several football teams in England, Italy, Portugal and Sweden. They shared their love for football and for dad. It was unforgettable for both him and us. He expressed his appreciation and joy and stated that such beautiful words are usually only uttered when someone has died.”

“I get to hear it while I’m alive and I’m incredibly grateful for that. The heart beats twice and the tears come. I have had the best job in the world and I was happy every day for long periods. It’s been fantastic,” he said.

“We have shared his gratitude and got to experience the wonderful meetings between him, football and all his friends. We thank everyone for these positive memories and your support during his illness.

“We hope that you will remember Svennis as the good and positive person he always was both in public and at home with us.”

IFK Göteborg: “When Svennis came to IFK Göteborg in 1979, he made a huge impression on Swedish football. Also abroad, he lined up successes with Benfica, Roma, Sampdoria and Lazio – to name a few.

“We remember Svennis for that, but we also remember him for his warmth, curiosity, openness and joy. Thanks for all the memories, Svennis. We will never forget you.”

Manchester City, another of Eriksson’s former clubs, have added to the commemorations, tweeting: “We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sven-Göran Eriksson, who has passed away at the age of 76. Rest in peace, Sven.” Lazio, where Eriksson had an enormously successful spell between 1997 and 2001, tweeted an image of their former manager accompanied by the message: “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us, mister.”