Stream the Moving Documentary on Sven-Göran Eriksson Now

Months after announcing his terminal cancer diagnosis, the former England football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has died aged 76.

During his five-year stint in charge of the team, Eriksson led the Three Lions to three quarter-final moments at three major tournaments. The Swede was the first non-British manager of the England team, coaching the likes of David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville. All of the former players have led tributes to Eriksson with Beckham calling him a “true gentleman” and saying he’ll be “forever grateful” to him.

Eriksson had revealed in January that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and “at best” given a year to live. Now, a new Amazon Prime documentary lets you delve deeper into the former manager’s story.

From his career triumphs and disappointments, to his childhood in rural Scandinavia, the sports biopic charts Eriksson’s unlikely rise to the upper echelons of football, with cameos from Beckham, Rooney and Roberto Mancini.

Reflecting on his life as he nears the end, critics have hailed it as a poignant portrait of the Swedish football manager.

Meeting Eriksson before and after his diagnosis, “Sven” looks back at the life of the former England manager, from his upbringing in the tranquility of western Sweden and his average playing career, to his position as the new coach of IFK Gothenburg in 1979, then Portugal and Italy.

Documenting how he landed the biggest job of his career in 2001, when he was appointed the England coach, the film explores the highs and lows during his management stint.

The sports biopic is equally concerned with the British tabloid’s fascination with Eriksson’s personal life. It features the Swede’s much publicised relationship with Italian socialite Nancy Dell’Olio, as well as the cheating scandal with TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson.

You can watch “Sven” for free on Amazon Prime Video (if you have a Prime subscription). Amazon Prime costs £8.99 per month or £95 a year, which works out to £7.92 a month. Besides watching “Sven,” you’ll gain access to all of Amazon Prime Video’s back catalogue, as well as free next-day and same-day delivery, Prime Reading, Amazon Music, Prime Gaming, Deliveroo Plus and the Prime Day sale events.

If you’re a new subscriber or haven’t been an Amazon Prime member in the last 12 months, you can also sign up for an Amazon Prime 30-day free trial.

Eriksson’s legacy in international football is cemented not only by his achievements on the pitch but also by the relationships he built with his players. Following his untimely passing, the outpouring of tributes from former players speaks volumes about the impact he had on their careers and lives. David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, and Gary Neville were among the notable players who expressed their heartfelt condolences and admiration for their former manager.

The documentary “Sven” offers a comprehensive view of Eriksson’s professional journey, capturing his early days in Sweden, his tenure with IFK Gothenburg, and his subsequent roles in Portugal and Italy. It paints a vivid picture of a man who, despite facing numerous challenges, made a lasting impact on the world of football.

Viewers of the documentary will also get a glimpse into Eriksson’s personal life, including his relationships with Nancy Dell’Olio and Ulrika Jonsson. The film does not shy away from these aspects, adding a layer of depth to its portrayal of the football manager.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s career was marked by both success and controversy, but his contributions to football will not be forgotten. The documentary serves as a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the sport and left an indelible mark on it.

Source: The Independent