Sven-Goran Eriksson has admitted only a 'brave man' would replace Gareth Southgate as England manager due to the expectations to win a tournament.
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- Eriksson believes it's trophy or bust for next England boss
- Southgate criticism highlights job pressures, claims Swede
- England named Lee Carsley as interim manager this week
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WHAT HAPPENED?
England appointed Lee Carsley as interim manager this week following Southgate's departure last month. And Eriksson, who was in charge of England between 2001 and 2006, believes the criticism of Southgate highlights expectations on his successor, with fans seemingly expecting a tournament win and 'everything else being a failure.'
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Eriksson was speaking having been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, leaving him with months to live. The 76-year-old defended Southgate, who had been criticised for his tactics during Euro 2024, despite England reaching their second successive final in the competition. Southgate resigned from his role after England's loss to Spain last month.
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WHAT ERIKSSON SAID
“Think of the pressure the new manager will have on his shoulders," Eriksson told . "Southgate – two finals, one semifinal, and that’s not good enough for the English. So the next one has to win. Everything else is a failure.
"I feel sorry for whoever comes in. If he doesn’t win a big tournament, he will be criticised – and the players, of course. It will be a brave man who takes on that job.”
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WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?
Carsley will lead England's next games in September, with Nations League games against Ireland and Finland. The England under-21 boss will oversee the senior side while the FA continue their search for a permanent successor to Southgate. The likes of Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel are expected to be contenders for the full-time role, while Manchester City's Pep Guardiola has also been linked.
