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‘To be manager of England is one of the greatest jobs you can have,’ says Sven
'To be manager of England is one of the greatest jobs you can have,' says Sven,EXCLUSIVE: Sven Goran-Eriksson tells Daily Star Sport the England job still carries a lot of weight, even now, describing it as one of greatest managerial roles in the world

‘To be manager of England is one of the greatest jobs you can have,’ says Sven

Sven-Goran Eriksson still believes the England manager's job is the biggest in football.

Eriksson is a man who knows a thing or two about the pressure of bossing the Three Lions, having led the country to two World Cups and a European Championship between 2001 and 2006. Back then, the international game had more status than it does now and held a better foothold against the domestic leagues, which have since significantly increased in popularity, particularly the Premier League.

But while most of the world's best managers are found scattered around the continent at the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Real Madrid, Eriksson still believes the England job holds a special allure.

READ MORE: Expert says what every World Cup kit says about team – England will 'run out of steam'

Speaking exclusively to Daily Star Sport, the 74-year-old described the England manager's role as one of the "greatest" jobs in football and spoke about expectation that comes with such a huge role.

Asked whether it is still the biggest job in football, Eriksson tells us: "I think so, because it’s England. You can probably compare it with being the manager of Brazil. That’s like a religion. To be manager of England is one of the greatest jobs you can have, for sure."

Sven-Göran Eriksson surprises fans, with Ring Video Doorbell showing former England manager calling by for a Toshiba Fire TV watch party
Sven-Göran Eriksson surprises fans, with Ring Video Doorbell showing former England manager calling by for a Toshiba Fire TV watch party (Image: SWNS)

Eriksson had the privilege of being England manager for five years, leading the nation to three consecutive major tournament quarter-finals, only to come unstuck each time.

The 2006 World Cup quarter-final defeat seems to be the one that rankles most with Eriksson, who watched on helplessly as his side fell short in a penalty shootout against Portugal for the second time in as many years.

Where does Sven Goran-Eriksson rank among England's all-time greatest managers? Let us know in the comments section below.

Eriksson managed England from 2001 to 2006
Eriksson managed England from 2001 to 2006 (Image: Offside Sports Photography)

"I think we were ready to do it in Germany," Eriksson says. "And we should have done better. We were knocked out by Portugal again and we played one hour with 10 vs 11, and still I think we were better than Portugal."

By taking England to Germany 16 years ago, Eriksson became the first Three Lions boss to manage at two World Cups since Sir Bobby Robson in 1986 and 1990.

Eriksson enjoyed some memorable moments as England boss - even if he never quite managed to lead the country to a major trophy
Eriksson enjoyed some memorable moments as England boss – even if he never quite managed to lead the country to a major trophy (Image: Shaun Botterill/Allsport)

Gareth Southgate is now set to become the first manager since Eriksson to do the same. But does the former Lazio and Benfica boss have any words of advice for the current incumbent of the biggest job in football?

"Even when Southgate was a player, I think he acted many times like a manager or coach," Eriksson says with a smile. "Now I think he has experience and he has a very good squad this time. I suppose expectation in England is already high – rightly – so I think England can have a great, great World Cup and maybe reach the final and win it.

Eriksson last managed the Philippines in 2019
Eriksson last managed the Philippines in 2019 (Image: AFP)

"There are many good times but it’s hard to say that one is a big, big favourite like when Spain were at their best. It’s an open thing and England is there."

Sven-Göran Eriksson surprised fans at a Toshiba watchparty, after research found 45% of fans plan to watch this winter’s tournament on TV from home – with more than one in ten set to pick up a new TV ready for the football. See more @ToshibaTVEurope.

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