Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed that he was offered a bet by former UK prime minister Tony Blair just days after being named as the first ever non-English manager of the England men’s national team in 2001.
It has often been said – including by Sam Allardyce, who lasted just one game as Three Lions boss in 2016 – that managing the England side comes with more pressure than leading the country politically.
Blair seemingly had that popular cliche in mind when he met with Eriksson for the first time.
Eriksson recalled their meeting in the Amazon Prime documentary ‘Sven’ recently.
The Swede said: “I was invited for a cup of tea with Tony Blair. “Shall we take a bet?” was the first thing he said.
Sven-Goran Eriksson (left) pictured alongside Tony Blair ahead of a dinner together in 2001
Blair and Eriksson met again in 2006 – before England took part in the World Cup in Germany
‘”Who keeps their job the longest, you or me?” We had two impossible jobs. That was a new sensation when I came to England. How they treat you, the press.’
If Eriksson accepted that bet – and he did not confirm whether or not he had – then he would have lost it because he left his role with England after the 2006 World Cup, while Blair remained in office until June the following year.
In total, Blair was the prime minister for 10 years and 56 days, while Eriksson was England manager for just under five and a half years.
Eriksson took charge of 67 England matches. He oversaw 40 wins, 17 draws and 10 defeats.
He led England at three different major tournaments, losing at the quarter-final stage in each of them, including two narrow defeats by Portugal – one in extra time and another via a penalty shootout.
During his recent documentary Eriksson also shared a poignant goodbye message.
Eriksson’s last game as England boss was against Portugal in 2006. His side lost on penalties
The Swede is terminally ill and he recently delivered a goodbye message via a documentary
The 76-year-old – who is terminally ill – said: ‘I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when we die, but life is about death as well.’
He added: ‘You have to learn to accept it for what it is. Hopefully at the end people will say, “yeah, he was a good man”, but everyone will not say that.
‘I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do. Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it.’
