Why are England players wearing black armbands during tonight’s match?

ENGLAND are taking on Ireland in a huge Nations League clash this evening.

And the Three Lions players took to the pitch wearing black armbands in a touching tribute.

Gary Stone

England will pay tribute to former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson tonight[/caption]

Why are England players wearing black armbands during tonight’s match?

England players are wearing black armbands during tonight’s Nations League clash against Ireland in memory of former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

In January 2024, the Swede announced that he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer before the tragic news of his passing was revealed on Monday, August 26.

A statement from his children, Lina and Johan, said: “Our father Sven-Goran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Bjorkefors outside Sunne this morning. He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but now it came to an end.

“Dad told us at the beginning of this year about his serious illness and received an amazing response from friends and football fans around Europe.

“He was invited to several football teams in England, Italy, Portugal and Sweden. They shared their love for football and for dad.

“It was unforgettable for both him and us. He expressed his appreciation and joy and stated that such beautiful words are usually only uttered when someone has died.

“We hope that you will remember Svennis as the good and positive person he always was both in public and at home with us.”

During Sven’s time as England manager, he guided the Three Lions to some memorable results, with a 5-1 win over rivals Germany in Munich certainly one of the highlights.

The Swede also managed 12 clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester, Lazio and Roma, winning 18 trophies.

It has been confirmed that England are planning a full tribute to Sven ahead of Tuesday’s Nations League clash against Finland at Wembley.