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08/09/2005
England fans call for Sven sacking
Disappointed English football fans have called for coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to be sacked following Wednesday night’s humiliating defeat to Northern Ireland.
Fans who travelled to Belfast for the World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park were heard to chant ‘Sack the Swede’ as England crashed to a 1-0 defeat, following the 74th minute goal from to boot of Leeds striker David Healy.
It is the first time England have been beaten by Northern Ireland, who currently rank joint 116th in the world, since 1972.
However, Eriksson remained defiant, telling reporters after the match that he would not resign and that the decision about his future would be up to the Football Association. Although he admitted that the defeat was his worst experience during his time as England manager, he said: “I’m not going to resign. I’m going to try to make it right. In October, we’ll win two games and qualify.”
Eriksson was heavily criticised after England’s 4-1 defeat in a friendly match with Denmark last month. However, Wednesday’s match was the first time England had been defeated in a qualifying game in 22 matches.
England will now have to beat both Austria and Poland, who they face at Old Trafford next month, in order to win Group Six and ensure qualification for next year’s World Cup. They will face Austria without Wayne Rooney, who is suspended after receiving a caution during Wednesday’s game.
Northern Ireland will not make it through to the World Cup finals, despite the win over England. However, the result is a tremendous achievement for manager Lawrie Sanchez’s side. Northern Ireland have not beaten England at Windsor Park since 1927.
The Republic of Ireland also suffered a setback to their chances of World Cup qualification, after losing 1-0 to France in Dublin on Wednesday.
Wales too suffered a defeat in Poland, losing 1-0 to the Group Six leaders. However, Scotland were victorious in Oslo, beating Norway 2-1.
(KMcA/SP)
Fans who travelled to Belfast for the World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park were heard to chant ‘Sack the Swede’ as England crashed to a 1-0 defeat, following the 74th minute goal from to boot of Leeds striker David Healy.
It is the first time England have been beaten by Northern Ireland, who currently rank joint 116th in the world, since 1972.
However, Eriksson remained defiant, telling reporters after the match that he would not resign and that the decision about his future would be up to the Football Association. Although he admitted that the defeat was his worst experience during his time as England manager, he said: “I’m not going to resign. I’m going to try to make it right. In October, we’ll win two games and qualify.”
Eriksson was heavily criticised after England’s 4-1 defeat in a friendly match with Denmark last month. However, Wednesday’s match was the first time England had been defeated in a qualifying game in 22 matches.
England will now have to beat both Austria and Poland, who they face at Old Trafford next month, in order to win Group Six and ensure qualification for next year’s World Cup. They will face Austria without Wayne Rooney, who is suspended after receiving a caution during Wednesday’s game.
Northern Ireland will not make it through to the World Cup finals, despite the win over England. However, the result is a tremendous achievement for manager Lawrie Sanchez’s side. Northern Ireland have not beaten England at Windsor Park since 1927.
The Republic of Ireland also suffered a setback to their chances of World Cup qualification, after losing 1-0 to France in Dublin on Wednesday.
Wales too suffered a defeat in Poland, losing 1-0 to the Group Six leaders. However, Scotland were victorious in Oslo, beating Norway 2-1.
(KMcA/SP)
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