Sven-Goran Eriksson Reveals Regret from England Managerial Career
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who recently revealed his terminal cancer diagnosis, has expressed his only regret from his football career. In an interview with The Guardian in 2019, Eriksson was asked if he had any regrets from his time as England manager, to which he replied that he generally tries to live without regrets but one regret did come to mind.
The Regret: 2006 World Cup Penalty Shootout
Eriksson’s regret stems from the 2006 World Cup quarter-final match against Portugal. After a goalless draw, the match went to penalties where England lost 3-1. Three of England’s four spot-kicks were missed by Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Jamie Carragher. Beckham and Rooney, who would have been penalty takers, were unavailable for the shootout due to injury and a red card, respectively.
Eriksson reflected on the situation, saying, “I should have taken a mental coach for the penalty shootout. I thought we were experienced enough and we had players who were specialists in penalties. It is history now.”
Eriksson’s Tenure as England Manager
Sven-Goran Eriksson became the England manager in January 2001, becoming the first non-British manager of the national team. He led England to the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, as well as Euro 2004. After the defeat to Portugal in the 2006 World Cup, Eriksson left the role and was replaced by Steve McClaren.
Eriksson’s Record as England Manager
Eriksson won 40 out of his 67 games in charge of the Three Lions, drawing 17 and losing 10. His win percentage of 59.7% ranks sixth among England managers, excluding Sam Allardyce’s one-game tenure. He managed the fifth most games for the national team, behind Walter Winterbottom, Alf Ramsey, Bobby Robson, and Gareth Southgate.
At each major tournament under Eriksson’s management, England exited at the quarterfinal stage. These results were not bettered until Gareth Southgate’s reign over a decade later.
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