Eriksson resigned as Lazio manager in January 2001 to succeed Kevin Keegan as England boss.

He revived a flagging 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign to secure their place at the tournament in Japan and South Korea, including a stunning 5-1 victory over Germany in Munich.

It was after that win that Eriksson’s team – featuring Owen, captain David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry – were coined the ‘golden generation’ by then FA chief executive Adam Crozier.

The Three Lions defeated Argentina 1-0 in the group stage at that tournament but were beaten 2-1 by eventual winners Brazil in the quarter-finals.

They would also reach the last eight two years later at Euro 2004, before losing to hosts Portugal on penalties.

In January 2006, after securing England’s place at that summer’s World Cup, it was announced Eriksson was to leave following the tournament in Germany despite having two years left on his contract.

No official reason was given for his departure at the time, although the Swede had been under pressure after being caught in a newspaper sting by a tabloid journalist.

England went on to reach the quarter-finals again but were beaten once more by Portugal on penalties.

Eriksson’s years as England manager were marked by stories about his private life, including newspapers revealing relationships with television presenter Ulrika Jonsson in 2002 and former Football Association secretary Faria Alam in 2004.