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The Generals in Germany

Love him or hate him, you cannot deny Sven-Goran Eriksson has had a chequered career as England's first foreign coach.

The 58-year-old Swede has been embroiled in controversy after controversy -- mostly off-field, scandalous ones -- has seen the English side cover themselves with glory as well as shame in a nearly six-year career, and even been the target of tabloid stings.

And through it all, Eriksson has sported an unflappable calm that has angered his detractors even more.

Also See: Complete coverage: Football Fiesta

In a managerial career spanning three decades, he has helmed Swedish sides Degerfors and IFK Gothenburg, Portugal's Benfica, Italy's Roma, Fiorentina and Sampdoria. But it was with Italian club Lazio that he was acknowledged as one of the best coaches in Europe.

His critics, however, concentrate more on England's quarter-final defeats at the 2002 World Cup and UEFA 2004.

This is Eriksson's last World Cup with England, and with an undeniably talented side at his disposal, he just might be able to have the last laugh. England surely would not mind.

Image: Eriksson (left) in conference with English skipper David Beckham. Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images