Gareth Southgate reveals England have invited Sven-Goran Eriksson to Wembley friendlies after terminal cancer diagnosis
FORMER England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has been invited to watch the Three Lions in action at Wembley this month.
Eriksson, who took charge of the national team between 2001 and 2006, revealed he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer earlier this year.
The 76-year-old admitted he had “at best a year” to live.
Fans and players rallied around to support Eriksson following his diagnosis.
And Liverpool offered him the opportunity to fulfil his lifelong dream of managing the club.
The Swede will join a star-studded coaching team featuring the likes of John Barnes and Ian Rush for a match against Ajax Legends next week.
But before that he could make an appearance at Wembley for one of England‘s upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
England boss Southgate revealed the FA have invited him to one of the fixtures.
He also announced that a tribute has been organised for ex-England star Terry Venables.
Speaking at a press conference, Southgate said: “Some plans around the game and definitely to acknowledge Terry.
“And we’ve also invited Sven to one of the games. We don’t know whether he can come but we hope that will happen as well.
Venables passed away at the age of 80 in November following a long illness.
Southgate also expressed his gratitude for the former manager during Thursday’s press conference.
He added: “Terry was a huge influence on me. He would fit in today’s game as a coach.
“A lot of the things he did with us, for example from a personal level I was a centre-back that had played in midfield and he had me moving into midfield to mark or moving into midfield with the ball, tactical things that we see now, he was doing then.
“Very flexible in his formations. Great man manager and just a really good human being who loved his life and lived life to the full. So I have very fond memories of him and I know all of the players that played for him have fond memories of him.”