Sven-Goran Eriksson remains agitated about a particular moment from England’s legendary 5-1 victory over Germany, a match that took place 23 years ago.
Though Eriksson’s tenure as England manager was marked by ups and downs, this game stands out as one of the most remarkable results in English football history. With hopes pinned on securing a crucial World Cup qualification win in Munich. England not only clinched the vital three points but did so in a stunning fashion by overwhelming the Germans.
Despite the memorable victory, Eriksson still harbors frustration over a specific incident from the match. Germany initially took the lead when Carsten Jancker capitalized on a flicked header, beating David Seaman to put his side-ahead. Sol Campbell, the nearest England defender, failed to close down Jancker quickly enough, a lapse that Eriksson has never forgiven.
In an interview featured in the Amazon Prime documentary SVEN, Eriksson expressed his displeasure: “S***. Absolutely s***!” He was particularly critical of Campbell, remarking, “It was too easy. Sol Campbell was too slow. [He was] 100 kg. You couldn’t expect him to be quick.”
Despite the early setback, the match dramatically shifted in England’s favor. Michael Owen equalized just six minutes after Germany’s opener, followed by Steven Gerrard’s goal just before halftime. Owen then scored twice more, completing his hat-trick with a brilliant pass from Gerrard. Emile Heskey added the final touch, making it a resounding 5-1 victory.
Although this result is often hailed as the pinnacle of Eriksson’s time with England, he reflects that a narrow 1-0 win might have been more beneficial in the long run. “Everything went right. Everything,” Eriksson noted, but added, “Maybe it would have been better winning 1-0. According to some of the press, we had already won the World Cup. We were not even qualified.”
Following this match, England secured a 2-0 win over Albania, setting up a crucial home game against Greece to qualify for the 2002 World Cup. Despite taking the lead twice, Greece managed to pull back, leaving England’s World Cup hopes hanging in the balance.
In a dramatic turn of events, David Beckham scored a memorable free-kick in the dying moments at Old Trafford, securing a 2-2 draw and ensuring England’s place in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. England’s journey ended in the quarter-finals, with Brazil ultimately claiming victory.
Eriksson’s lingering frustration over the conceded goal underscores the enduring passion he has for his role as England manager and the high standards he set for himself and his team.
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