England’s ‘Golden Generation’ have paid tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson as their former manager battles terminal cancer.
The 76-year-old revealed in February that he has ‘at best a year to live’ after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
In a sequence of emotional video messages, England legends from Eriksson’s era pay tribute to the Swede as part of an exclusive interview with Channel 4.
Eriksson, who led the England team between 2001 and 2006, was genuinely touched by the messages of support in his cancer battle.
Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has listened to emotional messages of goodwill from players he coached for the Three Lions as part of a Channel 4 interview
Steven Gerrard was one of the former England players who wished Eriksson all the best as he battles terminal pancreatic cancer
On Saturday, Eriksson will fulfil a lifelong ambition by coaching a Liverpool legends team against Ajax in a charity game at Anfield.
Former England midfielder Gerrard will be involved in the game and said in his video message: ‘I just wanted to send you my best wishes, send you my love and support.
‘I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately and I’m really looking forward to seeing you next week as you’re the gaffer at Anfield. It will be really special.
‘I’m just trying to get the body in good condition so I can last the 90 minutes!’
Fellow midfielder Cole said: ‘I just wanted to wish you all the very best and say thank you for all the memories and all the help in my career, making my dream come true playing for England at a World Cup twice.
‘I remember I scored against Northern Ireland and you came over after the game and said to me with a glass of wine or champagne in your hand, “finally, you’ve become a complete player.”
‘I was buzzing, it’s always nice to hear that from the manager.’
Paul Scholes, who played for England until Euro 2004, passed on his best wishes to the Swede
Gary Neville wished Eriksson well after he revealed he only has a year, at best, to live
Hargreaves, another member of Eriksson’s England side, said: ‘I just wanted to say ‘thank you’ for everything you did for me throughout my career, for believing in me when a lot of people didn’t.
‘You actually changed my career and changed my life in so many ways.
‘So I just wanted to say ‘thank you’, your support meant so much to me and I just wanted to wish you all the best. Lots of love, stay strong.’
Scholes, who retired from England duty after Euro 2004, added: ‘I just wanted to say it was an absolute pleasure to play for England for you.
‘Obviously we should have won something and done a little bit better than I actually did for you but I just wanted to say: ‘Hello Sven, I hope you’re doing OK and all the best for the recovery.’
Michael Owen was also keen to wish Eriksson well and talked about the current England side
Former England midfielder Joe Cole said he was once ‘buzzing’ after an Eriksson compliment
Owen Hargreaves credited Eriksson with offering faith that transformed his career
Striker Owen added in his video: ‘I hope this finds you in good spirits, I hope you’re keeping fine and I hope you’re enjoying the current England team who are doing so well and, of course, we’re all looking forward to the European Championship in the summer.’
Neville, meanwhile, said: ‘I’m just sending you all my best wishes and thank you for all the support you gave me whilst with England. I’d love to be able to see you soon.’
Eriksson led England in two World Cups and one European Championship, but this talented group of players failed to get beyond the quarter-finals on all three occasions.
They lost to Brazil at the 2002 World Cup and were beaten on penalties by Portugal in both 2004 and 2006.
Watch England v Brazil from 6pm live on Channel 4 on Saturday.
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