Ranking Sven-Goran Eriksson's Best Matches as England Manager

Sven-Goran Eriksson, the first foreign manager of the England national team, led the team to several notable victories. Despite being a divisive figure and not always universally adored, his leadership of England's 'Golden Generation' for almost six years resulted in unforgettable moments.

Eriksson, currently 75 years old, recently announced his cancer diagnosis, and the news has deeply affected football enthusiasts across Europe.

This article discusses some of Eriksson's greatest matches as England's manager, ranked in order.

Dramatically losing their inaugural Euro 2004 group phase game to France, England bounced back with a 3-0 triumph over Switzerland, rekindling their hopes of qualifying prior to their final match against Croatia. England's opener was less than ideal, but the team recovered quickly, with a spectacular last-minute volley from Wayne Rooney in the first half, followed by a brace, securing qualification to the next round amidst a tense final 15 minutes.

Throughout his celebrated career, Eriksson managed over 1,000 games, 66 of which were as England's manager. One memorable match was an international friendly against Argentina in Switzerland. An initial goal by Argentina saw England trailing, only to equalise with a belated goal by Rooney. England finally sealed their comeback in the dying minutes of the game, thanks to two goals by Owen.

A highpoint for Eriksson's England was their progression into the quarterfinals at the 2002 World Cup, following a 3-0 victory over Denmark. Despite being eliminated in the quarterfinals by the eventual champions, Brazil, this was a momentous achievement.

Before their win over Denmark in 2002, England, under Eriksson's command, triumphed against Argentina in the group stage. Their win against the pre-tournament favourites was a crucial moment for England. The decisive moment came via a penalty hit by Beckham, despite the foul on Owen being slightly controversial.

On the verge of qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, England faced Greece in their final qualifier. Despite trailing Greece at half-time, England recovered with Beckham scoring a dramatic free kick in the last few seconds. This game is remembered as one of England's most iconic, with Beckham's goal touted as one of the greatest.

There is absolutely no doubt about what Eriksson's greatest achievement in the England dugout was, with the only feasible answer being England's sensational 5-1 win over Germany in 2002 World Cup qualification.Only a few months into the job and the biggest test of Eriksson's reign up until that point, England needed three points to kickstart their faltering campaign. That's exactly what they got - and in some style. England still managed to make a nightmare start in Munich, Carsten Jancker poking an effort beyond David Seaman. However, the visitors swiftly levelled as Owen fired home from Nick Barmby's clever header.Eriksson's side then took the lead just before half-time, Gerrard smashing an effort from 25 yards beyond Oliver Kahn, while Owen's half-volley made it 3-1 just after the break. Owen would go on to claim a memorable hat-trick, collecting Gerrard's defence-splitting pass and lifting above an onrushing Kahn, and Heskey's fifth is immortalised in Ant & Dec's On the Ball.