The story of Sven

West Ham fans single out England boss Eriksson

Sven Goran Eriksson's arrival as England coach has not been a smooth journey.

The former Lazio chief was not meant to be available until the end of the season.

But, after handing in his resignation, the Swede has arrived in England ahead of schedule.

Eriksson wasted no time in becoming acquainted with English football, taking in two games in his first weekend as England boss.

BBC Sport Online chronicles that journey.

---

Eriksson's verdict

All smiles: Sven's impressed by young talent

Sven Goran Eriksson speaks about his general impressions of English football so far, saying he's been impressed by the skill level and pace of matches.

real 14k Click here for Sven's verdict on the standard of English football.

---

Sven hoaxed

Eriksson was taken in by the radio pranksters

Sven Goran Eriksson is swiftly acquainted with the English sense of humour, as Mike Maguire and Tony Horne from Manchester's 105.4 Century FM phone him - masquerading as his predecessor Kevin Keegan.

real 14k Click here for the hoax call.

---

We will qualify

Sven was upbeat in the news conference

Sven Goran Eriksson faces the media for the first time, stating his belief that England can still qualify for the 2002 World Cup finals.

real 56k Click here for Sven Goran Eriksson's first news conference as England boss.

real 14k Click here for BBC football correspondent Mike Ingham's assessment of Eriksson's first news conference.

---

Under pressure

Now the pressure really is on Sven

BBC Sport's Alan Hansen gives his views on the problems that lie ahead for the new England boss, particularly reviving their qualification hopes for the 2002 World Cup.

real 14k Click here for BBC Alan Hansen's views on Sven Goran Eriksson's new job.

---

In the hot seat

The ball is now firmly in Eriksson's court

After his resignation at Lazio, Sven Goran Eriksson begins immersing himself in English football by coming to England in time for the weekend's Premiership matches.

real 14k Click here for BBC football correspondent Mike Ingham's report on Eriksson's arrival.

---

Staying put

Rome's still home for Sven

Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti says England manager-elect Sven Goran Eriksson is to continue his tenure at Lazio despite a crisis meeting about his future.

real 14k Click here for BBC Sport's Gordon Farquhar's report.

---

Crunch time

Rome derby D-day for Eriksson

Local rivals Roma are flying high at the top of Serie A and when the Rome derby clash arrives Lazio manager Sven Goran Eriksson's job is in danger if his side fail to win.

real 14k Click here for BBC Sport's Paddy Agnew's explanation of the importance of the Rome derby.

---

Spring arrival

Only a spectator: Eriksson watches Italy v England

Sven Goran Eriksson claims he can't rule out being in control of the England team for the important World Cup qualifiers in spring 2001, depending on an agreement being reached with Lazio.

real 14k Click here for BBC Sport's Steve Wilson's report.

---

Eriksson boost

Sven could be joining Tord Grip sooner than expected

After intially demanding Sven Goran Eriksson see out his contract, rumours from Italy suggest that Lazio may release him for next year's World Cup qualifiers.

real 14k Click here for Former Lazio player and president Georgio Chinaglia's explanation of Lazio's apparent change of heart.

---

Honoured Sven

Eriksson pleased with challenging role

Sven Goran Eriksson speaks for the first time about his delight at becoming England's manager and his aims for the future, beginning with qualification for the 2002 World Cup .

real 56k Click here for Sven Goran Eriksson's reaction to becoming the new England manager.

---

Sven's the man

Crozier was pleased to finally get his man

FA chief executive Adam Crozier confirms that Sven Goran Eriksson will be the new England boss - but only when his contract at Lazio expires.

real 56k Click here for the FA's press conference naming Sven Goran Eriksson as the new England boss.