Sven-Goran Erikkson - the leader of England's 'Golden Generation'. Ultimately it was a period that failed to produce the titles many felt were destined to come, though that is not the only defining feature of a great coach. Saturday marks a special day for the Swede. As a fan of
Liverpool , the 76-year-old lives out a lifelong dream of his by taking charge of the club at Anfield in a charity match featuring former players. This came upon an invitation from the club following his terminal
cancer diagnosis in January. Today also sees the return of the
England national team to action. In their preparations for the summer's European Championships, Gareth Southgate and his men play host to
Brazil at Wembley Stadium. READ MORE: How United could line up next season with three new signings READ MORE: 'Last thing he would want' -
Barcelona president gives blunt response to Frenkie de Jong transfer question Erikkson took charge of 66 Three Lions matches during his tenure, overseeing the team at three major finals. Wayne Rooney , Paul Scholes, Gary Neville , Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Michael Owen - the list of upcoming talent at his disposal was endless, and all have one thing in common - they all owe a great deal of gratitude to their former tutor of the game. "I just wanted to say 'thank you' for everything you did for me throughout my career, for believing in me when a lot of people didn't," says another of that era, ex-
Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves. "You actually changed my career and changed my life in so many ways. So I just wanted to say 'thank you', your support meant so much to me and I just wanted to wish you all the best. Lots of love, stay strong." The Canadian-born England international was rising through the ranks of Bayern Munich at the time of the Golden Generation's formation, though not without his injury woes. Muscle tears and later a nasty leg break took their understandable tolls. But when the outside world looked on with confusion at Hargreaves' selection for the 2006
World Cup in Germany, Eriksson remained a staunch supporter of his midfielder. "I can understand the reaction in England because the fans never see him play and because of that they don't really have reason to think about him," said the then-England boss. Sven Goran Eriksson (R) the England Manager issues instructions to Owen Hargreaves, as he prepares to come on for the injured Joe Cole during the
FIFA World Cup
Germany 2006 Group B match between England and Paraguay at the Stadium Frankfurt on June 10, 2006 in Frankfurt, Germany. (Photo by Sandra Behne/Bongarts/Getty Images) (Image: Sandra Behne/Bongarts/Getty Images) "'I can assure you, however, that Owen Hargreaves deserves to be with us. I've been to see him play in Germany quite a few times and he's been fantastic. ''I watched him play for Bayern against Stuttgart recently when all the German newspapers marked him out as the man of the match and I had to agree with them. He was fantastic. He is a better player than he was two years ago in the European Championships or four years ago at the World Cup. ''I know his best position is in the holding role, but he is very versatile and that's important at a World Cup.'' In the short-term, Hargreaves' work rate at that tournament proved Eriksson's decision correct against the previously sceptical nation. It was also the boost of confidence needed for Sir Alex Ferguson and Man United to recognise his talents. At 26 he eventually made the switch to Old Trafford , where in his first campaign he lifted the
Premier League and
Champions League double. Hargreaves stayed the entirety of the final in
Moscow against
Chelsea before eventually scoring his spot-kick to get his hands on the coveted European trophy. Try MUFC Pro NOW for free Subscribe to our brilliant app for the best way to enjoy the M.E.N's unrivalled Manchester United coverage. No adverts, pop-ups or distractions - just our brilliant content presented in the best way possible. Comprehensive, round-the-clock coverage of the Reds, with agenda-setting
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