Swede Eriksson named England’s new coach

“Sven-Goran Eriksson was the unanimous choice of our selection team. He is one of the best coaches in the world,” said FA Chief executive Adam Crozier.

“At no stage did we approach any other manager. He was, and is our number one choice.

“We are very hopeful that he will be able to manage the team for the World Cup qualfiers in March and June.

“He will work with Peter Taylor and Steve McClaren (interim coaches) and ties in 100 per cent to our strategy.”

Crozier thanked Eriksson’s club Lazio for their co-operation during the FA’s negotiations to bring the Swede to England.

“We would like to say a special thank you to president Cragnotti of Lazio,” he added. “He, and everyone at the club, did everything we are extremely grateful for his support.

Crozier also expressed his pleasure that the FA were able to get their man in such a short period of time. “We’re delighted that in space of three weeks we have put together a team of people which we believe has the best possible chance of making England successful in the future.

“It marks a new beginning for England and we’re certain that everyone will give the new team their full support and best wishes. We’ve taken our time over the last three weeks to be clear that Sven was our number one priority.

“Tord (Grip Eriksson’s number two at Lazio) will join us as well and Sven will be living in London full time.”

The 52-year-old Swede cut his coaching teeth in his homeland with Degherfors and Gothenburg before taking his first foreign posting as manager with Portuguese giants Benfica.

In 1984-5 Eriksson became coach to AS Roma his first job in Italy’s Serie A before spending two years at Fiorentina and then returning to Benfica.

He then had a long stint at Sampdoria before taking his current post at Lazio in 1997-8.

In May he finally won the Italian title for Lazio only the second in their history and their first for 26 years.

Eriksson replaces Kevin Keegan, who quit after England lost their World Cup 2002 qualifier 1-0 to Germany at Wembley Stadium in October.