Sven goran ericsson biography

The 2006 World Cup was the final curtain for Eriksson, the manager who promised so much and had so much talent to utilise, and yet could not make that final leap to the first England success since the 1966 World Cup.

The end came a few months after Eriksson fell into a Sunday tabloid newspaper's 'Fake Sheikh' sting, enjoying fine dining and vintage champagne before delivering a series of indiscreet revelations.

He claimed to the News of the World's undercover reporter that Owen was unhappy at Newcastle United, while he himself could leave the England job to join Aston Villa, luring Beckham away from Real Madrid to Villa Park in the process.

Eriksson was an engaging, courteous character with an uncanny ability to smile as he deflected away various personal scandals, never allowing his inquisitors to lay a glove on him.

He rarely, if ever, demonstrated anger even in the tightest of spots.

He also had a