Former England Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson Reveals Cheeky Bet Offered by Tony Blair in 2001

Sven-Goran Eriksson, the former England manager, has shared a fascinating anecdote about a bet offered to him by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair back in 2001.

Eriksson, who was appointed as the first non-English manager of the England men’s national team in 2001, recalled the incident in the Amazon Prime documentary “Sven.” According to Eriksson, Blair approached him with a bet during their first meeting, saying, “Shall we take a bet? Who keeps their job the longest, you or me?”

Sven-Goran Eriksson (left) pictured alongside Tony Blair ahead of a dinner together in 2001

Eriksson described the meeting, saying, “We had two impossible jobs. That was a new sensation when I came to England. How they treat you, the press.” Although Eriksson didn’t confirm whether he accepted the bet, it’s clear that Blair would have won if he had, as Blair remained in office until June 2007, while Eriksson left his role as England manager after the 2006 World Cup.

During his tenure as England manager, Eriksson oversaw 67 matches, securing 40 wins, 17 draws, and 10 defeats. He led the team in three major tournaments, including the 2006 World Cup, where they lost to Portugal in the quarterfinals.

Eriksson’s last game as England boss was against Portugal in 2006. His side lost on penalties

In a poignant goodbye message shared in the documentary, the 76-year-old Eriksson, 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. You have to learn to accept it for what it is.”

The Swede is terminally ill and he recently delivered a goodbye message via a documentary

Eriksson concluded his message by saying, “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.”

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Topics: Tony Blair, England Football