Icons: A throwback to Sven's greatest night as England manager

Everyone at European Super Football was saddened by the announcement that Sven-Goran Eriksson has died at the age of 76.

Eriksson led England to the quarter-finals at three major tournaments during his five-year spell in charge between 2001 and 2006.

This article will explore his greatest night as England manager. A World Cup qualifier from 2001 when England thrashed Germany 5-1. 

A closer look at what happened

Before this night, Germany had only ever lost one World Cup qualifier at home in their history. However, on this night in Munich, they were torn apart by an England team playing slick football with a clinical edge up front.

Such a wonderful occasion from an English perspective looked fanciful when Carsten Jancker fired the Germans in front within six minutes. England's young Lions roared back amazingly to thrash the home side.

German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn was the best keeper in the world at the time. However, he looked more flappable than anyone else on a night riddled with errors across the pitch.

England's goals came from Michael Owen (x3), Steven Gerrard and Emile Heskey. When that fifth goal came in from Heskey, the stands in the home ends entered very quickly leaving the England fans to party and celebrate. 

I was there

Adrian, an England fan from Sale in Greater Manchester, spoke about this match and the wider enjoyment he gets from watching England. He said "International football is not just about the tournaments. It is about far more than that. It was Germany, not England, who reached the World Cup final the following year, and under Eriksson, England never even made it to the semi-finals of a major tournament. However, he gave England fans like me memories that we will never forget. Isn't that what football is meant to be about?"

This was a similar view held by George B. He told us: "I have watched England for over 45 years. They have taught me to never take qualification for granted. Who could forget that campaign that followed after Sven left? Munich taught me that we can get an astonishing result against anybody. Munich reminded me that football is the greatest sport in the world. Thanks for everything Sven. No England fan in attendance that night will ever forget you."