England will pay tribute to former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson during their Nations League match against Finland at Wembley. Eriksson, who passed away at the age of 76 on August 26 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, is remembered as one of the most influential figures in England’s football history.
In their first home match since his death, England’s players will wear black armbands, just as they did in their recent 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland. There will also be a moment of applause before kick-off, during which the Wembley crowd will commemorate Eriksson’s contribution to the national team, alongside the recent passing of other football figures, including Craig Shakespeare, Kevin Campbell, and Tommy Banks. A memorial tribute to Eriksson will also be shown on the stadium’s screen.
Current England captain Harry Kane expressed his admiration for Eriksson, acknowledging the impact he had on the team during his tenure from 2001 to 2006. Kane, who was not part of Eriksson’s England setup but recognizes his importance, said: “I think one of our most famous, most popular managers we’ve had as a national team. It will be a sad night for a lot of England fans and a lot of England players.”
Eriksson’s time as England manager saw him lead the team through three major tournaments, including two World Cups and a European Championship. Although his tenure did not bring silverware, he remains one of the longest-serving England managers and is credited with nurturing a generation of talented players like David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard. Eriksson’s calm demeanor and tactical knowledge earned him the respect of both his squad and his peers, which is reflected in the tributes from the football community.
Kane further added, “From what I understand, I didn’t get to meet him personally, but I’ve heard he was a great person, really loyal to his players and his job. I think he’ll go down as one of England’s best managers.” His sentiments were echoed by interim boss Lee Carsley, who shared insights he had gathered from Ashley Cole, one of Eriksson’s former players. “Speaking to Ashley, what he speaks mostly about is what a great person he was,” Carsley said, emphasizing the personal bond Eriksson built with his squad.
Markku Kanerva, the head coach of Finland, also took a moment to reflect on Eriksson’s passing, calling him a “great coach” and noting the significance of his loss. He expressed his team’s respect for Eriksson’s legacy and acknowledged the profound impact he had on football, not only in England but globally.
As the football world prepares to remember Eriksson, there is a shared hope that England’s performance at Wembley will serve as a fitting tribute to a manager whose influence on the game will not be forgotten. For the players, staff, and fans present at the stadium, the match will be more than just another fixture—it will be a chance to honor a man who left an indelible mark on English football.
