Eriksson quits Lazio for England

Sven Goran Eriksson says farewell to the Lazio media

Sven Goran Eriksson has resigned at Lazio - and will move into his new job as England coach "as soon as possible."

The news of his resignation was confirmed on the Italian Stock Exchange - and the Football Association moved swiftly to confirm he will take over as England coach with almost immediate effect.

Eriksson admitted defeat in his battle to stay at Lazio after a meeting with his players.

He will definitely be in charge of England for the first time in the friendly against Spain at Villa Park on 28 February.

I don't like what I did but I think it is better for the club

  Sven Goran Eriksson

An FA statement said: "Following the developments in Rome, the FA can confirm that Sven-Goran Eriksson will take up his position as England head coach as soon as possible.

"The uncertainty of the past few months is at an end, and the FA are delighted that one of the most successful coaches in the world will shortly be joining us.

"Sven has told us that he is looking forward to working alongside the England coaching team of Tord Grip, Peter Taylor and Steve McClaren for the friendly against Spain and the World Cup qualifiers against Finland and Albania."

Lazio have already appointed former Italy coach Dino Zoff as Eriksson's successor.

Zoff had been working as club vice-president since he resigned as coach of Italy following the finals of Euro 2000.

Eriksson confirmed that after much speculation, his time in charge at Lazio was over.

Tough decision

He told a news conference in Rome: "I took the decision as I was in the car travelling to Lazio's training ground Formello.

"The players were the first to know about it.

"I have chosen to take this step and I hope it is better for the club and that results will come in the future.

"I don't like what I did but I think it is better for the club."

Dino Zoff replaces Eriksson at Lazio

"It is very bad news and a very difficult day for us," said Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti. "Lazio owes Eriksson a lot."

Eriksson and the FA were quickly in contact to discuss a revised start date for his reign as England coach.

When he agreed to become England boss last October, he signed a five-year deal which was due to begin on 1 July of this year.

Eriksson had two meetings with Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti on Monday and was apparently asked to resign at the second one late in the day.

Long chase

His position at Lazio was thrown into doubt following the shock 2-1 home defeat to lowly Napoli on Sunday, which left the Italian champions 11 points behind leaders AS Roma.

Eriksson has been coach of Lazio since the summer of 1997 and has won seven trophies with the Rome club including last term's Italian title.