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Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.Getty

Terminally ill ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson reveals the team he wishes he'd coached as he dreams of watching England face Brazil in March friendly after pancreatic cancer diagnosis

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Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Eriksson diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
  • Doesn't have much time left
  • Undying love for football powers him to fight against the dreaded disease
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Eriksson revealed on Thursday that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer in his pancreas and may have only months left to live. However, the former manager has vowed to "fight as long as I can" and in an interview with Sky Sports, he expressed his desire to travel to England to watch the Three Lions take on Brazil two months later.

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  • WHAT ERIKSSON SAID

    Speaking from the comforts of his home in Sweden, Eriksson said: "I hope maybe to go to England and see England-Brazil in March, that should be very nice, great game, like a warm-up for the World Cup. That could also be the final in the [2026] World Cup, so that would be great."

  • David Beckham (C), coach Sven-Goran Eriksson (R) and Wayne RooneyGetty Images

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Eriksson also made a surprising disclosure about an unfulfilled wish from his illustrious managerial career – the desire to coach Liverpool, a team he and his father deeply admire.

    "I always wished to be the manager of Liverpool and that will not happen, but I'm still a Liverpool fan." he said.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Eriksson boasts of managing several high-profile clubs like IFK Gothenburg, Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio, Manchester City, and Leicester City. However, he will be remembered for his stint with the England national team from 2001 to 2006, during which he managed the "golden generation" of the Three Lions, including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard.

  • Jude Bellingham Harry Kane England 2023Getty

    WHAT NEXT?

    It will be an emotional homecoming for Eriksson at Wembley on March 24, a battleground which must be very close to his heart. He will hope that Gareth Southgate's men can emerge triumphant over the South American giants which will be a morale-boosting win ahead of the European Championship later in June.

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