A fitting send off for a football icon who loved life: New Orleans style brass band leads funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson – after David Beckham and Nancy Dell’Olio attend star-studded service
A vibrant and noisy funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson made its way through his hometown of Torsby today as locals got the chance to pay tribute to their greatest son.
Following the service this morning, Torsby’s marching brass band led his coffin along the 700-yard walk from Fryksände church to the Kollsberg homestead, where friends and family will pay a more intimate tribute.
Hundreds of members of the congregation followed behind including the former England manager’s captain David Beckham, Eriksson’s longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio and his partner Yaniseth Alcides.
Residents along the route were seen gathering on their lawns and at the end of closed-off streets to pay their respects – with songs played including The Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book and You’ll Never Walk Alone.
After reaching a junction, the band turned left while the hearse continued straight before heading down a grass track. Beside the venue was a vast lake lined by pine trees, providing a typically Scandinavian backdrop.
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson, including his daughter Lina and David Beckham, in Torsby, Sweden, today
Torsby’s brass band leads Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coffin along the walk from Fryksände church to the Kollsberg homestead
David Beckham touches Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coffin at the homestead museum where the funeral service continued today
David Beckham joins mourners on Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral procession in the Swedish town of Torsby this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s partner Yaniseth Alcides embraces David Beckham at a ceremony at at Kollsberg homestead today
Torsby’s brass band leads Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coffin along the walk from Fryksände church to the Kollsberg homestead
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson heads from Fryksande Church towards his to his homestead in Torsby today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio joins mourners on the funeral procession in Torsby this morning
Torsby’s brass band leads Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coffin along the walk from Fryksände church to the Kollsberg homestead
Nancy Dell’Olio touches Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coffin at the homestead museum where the funeral service continued today
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson, including his partner Yaniseth Alcides, in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson, including his daughter Lina and David Beckham, in Torsby, Sweden, today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio joins mourners on the funeral procession in Torsby this morning
Torsby’s brass band leads Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coffin along the walk from Fryksände church to the Kollsberg homestead
Tord Grip and Sven-Goran Eriksson’s partner Yaniseth Alcides during a ceremony at at Kollsberg homestead in Torsby today
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson, including his partner Yaniseth Alcides and father Sven, in Sweden today
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson, including his daughter Lina and David Beckham, in Torsby, Sweden, today
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson, including his father Sven Eriksson, in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson, including his partner Yaniseth Alcides, in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
David Beckham joins mourners on Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral procession in the Swedish town of Torsby this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s partner Yaniseth Alcides joins mourners on the funeral procession in Torsby this morning
David Beckham touches Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coffin at the homestead museum where the funeral service continued today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio joins mourners on the funeral procession in Torsby this morning
David Beckham joins mourners on Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral procession in the Swedish town of Torsby this morning
The band could then be heard in the distance striking up a rendition of When The Saints Go Marching In. Mourners gathered in a seating area cut along the side of a slope overlooking a stage.
Beckham walked all the way from the church to the event afterwards, surrounded by private security, and happily chatted to those on the procession including Eriksson’s daughter Lina.
Prior to his death, Eriksson had publicly spoken of his wish to be buried at Kollsberg, returning to the area for an Amazon Prime documentary and sharing his emotional connection to the area.
‘A beautiful place, it makes you calm, makes me calm,’ he said. ‘If you look straight on, that’s Torsby, where I grew up. I always thought great place, to sleep. The ashes could be thrown into the water here. It feels like home.’
The ‘New Orleans style’ procession was inspired by the colourful 1993 public funeral of Sampdoria president and owner Paolo Mantovani’s in Genoa, which Eriksson attended when he was a coach there and included jazz music.
Today’s funeral was hailed as the ‘biggest ever’ in Torsby’s history and preparations were thorough, with the band’s conductor calculating that the route would take exactly 14 minutes so he could plan how many pieces of music he needed.
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson, including his daughter Lina and David Beckham, in Torsby, Sweden, today
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson, including his partner Yaniseth Alcides, heading from the church today
David Beckham joins mourners on Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral procession in the Swedish town of Torsby this morning
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson, including his partner Yaniseth Alcides, in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson, including his daughter Lina and David Beckham, in Torsby, Sweden, today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coffin is driven from Fryksände church in the Swedish town of Torsby this morning
David Beckham joins mourners on Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral procession in the Swedish town of Torsby this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio joins mourners on the funeral procession in Torsby this morning
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson, including his daughter Lina and David Beckham, in Torsby, Sweden, today
David Beckham joins mourners on Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral procession in the Swedish town of Torsby this morning
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson, including his partner Yaniseth Alcides, heading from the church today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio joins mourners on the funeral procession in Torsby this morning
David Beckham joins mourners on Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral procession in the Swedish town of Torsby this morning
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson, including his partner Yaniseth Alcides, heading from the church today
David Beckham joins mourners on Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral procession in the Swedish town of Torsby this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coffin is carried into a hearse outside Fryksände church in the Swedish town of Torsby this morning
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson, including his partner Yaniseth Alcides, in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
David Beckham joins mourners on Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral procession in the Swedish town of Torsby this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s daughter Lina and son Johan during a ceremony at Kollsberg homestead after the funeral today
Fifa Secretary General Mattias Grafström during a ceremony at at Kollsberg homestead after the funeral today
The funeral procession for Sven-Goran Eriksson arrives at the homestead museum in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
The funeral service for football coach Sven-Goran Eriksson continues at the homestead museum in Torsby, Sweden, today
The funeral service for football coach Sven-Goran Eriksson continues at the homestead museum in Torsby, Sweden, today
Artist Oscar Magnusson during the ceremony at at Kollsberg homestead today after the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson
The coffin of Sven-Goran Eriksson is seen at the homestead museum in Torsby where the funeral service continues today
The Swede is said to have been inspired by his time in Italy, and the joyful atmosphere seemed a fitting tribute for a man who inspired millions with his positivity in the face of terminal cancer.
It comes after Beckham, Dell’Olio and Roy Hodgson led mourners at Eriksson’s funeral this morning in the former England manager’s hometown following his death aged 76 from pancreatic cancer .
Eriksson’s children Johan and Lina and his 95-year-old father, also called Sven, were in the congregation along with Bengt Berg, a childhood friend who helped Eriksson write his forthcoming book A Beautiful Game.
Other mourners included Eriksson’s partner Yaniseth Alcides, former Liverpool and Sweden footballer Glenn Hysén, former head coach of Sweden Tommy Söderberg and ex-Swedish footballer Thomas Nordahl.
Crowds who gathered outside the church to watch the arrivals from about 8am local time (7am UK time) also saw Andrea Möllerberg, general secretary, and Kim Källström, head of football at the Swedish football federation.
David Beckham and Nancy Dell’Olio embrace at the funeral for Sven-Göran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby today
David Beckham hugs Nancy Dell’Olio at Fryksände church in Torsby today ahead of the funeral for Sven-Göran Eriksson
David Beckham and Nancy Dell’Olio embrace at the funeral for Sven-Göran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby today
Tord Grip (front left) and David Beckham (front right) leave after the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson in Torsby, Sweden, today
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden ahead of today’s funeral
David Beckham appears to wipe away a tear during the funeral for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s daughter Lina, son Johan and father Sven during the funeral of their father in Torsby this morning
The coffin is carried out of the church following Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Former Swedish football player Thomas Nordahl and David Beckham leave the church after the funeral service today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s children Johan (left) and Lina (second left) arrive for his funeral at Fryksande Church in Torsby today
The funeral service for football coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is taking place at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, today
Yaniseth Alcides, partner of Sven-Göran Eriksson, arrives for the funeral in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s father, also called Sven, arrives at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning for the funeral
Former England manager Roy Hodgson ahead of the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
The coffin of Sven-Goran Eriksson is carried into Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of his funeral
Former England player David Beckham with daughter of Sven-Göran Eriksson, Lina Eriksson, at the funeral this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s son Johan greets David Dein, former owner of Arsenal, before the funeral in Torsby this morning
Mourners outside the funeral for football boss Sven-Göran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden ahead of today’s funeral
A priest blesses the coffin of the late England football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson during his funeral service today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s father Sven and son Johan greet each other outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Yaniseth Alcides, partner of Sven-Göran Eriksson, touches the coffin at the funeral in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Eriksson’s coffin arrived at Fryksande church at around 7am local time (8am UK), long before the arrival of any of the 600 guests – and a single bell tolled as his body was carried inside.
Ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, pictured in May 2006
Members of Sweden’s royal family were also expected to have been in attendance, with roads surrounding the church in the small town where Eriksson grew up cordoned off by police.
Among those to arrive early was Bengt Berg, who said: ‘I’m very happy and very sad at the same time. But it’s fantastic to see him returning to his first point. It’s a very curious feeling.
‘He’s one of us and we share his glory. But when he returned here, he was just one of the hot dog eaters.’.
Under Eriksson’s direction, England reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2002 and 2006, and the last-eight of Euro 2004.
He was England manager for five years, having previously guided Lazio to the Serie A title. He also managed Roma, Fiorentina and Sampdoria in Italy.
After stepping down from the England job, he held managerial posts with Manchester City, Leicester and the Mexico national team.
Nancy Dell’Olio greets Sven-Goran Eriksson’s son Johan on the steps of Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, today
Tord Grip (front left) and David Beckham (front right) leave after the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson in Torsby, Sweden, today
Mourners stand outside the church in Torsby for the funeral of former England football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s son Johan and daughter Lina during the funeral of their father in Torsby this morning
The funeral service for football coach Sven-Göran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Singer Charlotta Birgersson during the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Former IFK Göteborg footbaler Glenn Holm (left) arrives at the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson in Torsby this morning
Mourners outside the funeral for football boss Sven-Göran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
David Beckham at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s daughter Lina ahead of the funeral at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s daughter Lina, son Johan and father Sven during the funeral of their father in Torsby this morning
The funeral service for football coach Sven-Göran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Artist Oscar Magnusson during the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
The funeral service for football coach Sven-Göran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Mourners outside the funeral for football boss Sven-Göran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Thomas Wernerson (left), former footballer, and Kjell Pettersson (centre), former coach of IFK Göteborg, arrive this morning
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
A man wearing a IFK Goteborg football kit pays his respects outside the funeral service of Sven-Goran Eriksson today
Yaniseth Alcides, partner of Sven-Göran Eriksson, touches the coffin at the funeral in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Football coach Roger Palmgren arrives for the funeral of Sven-Göran Eriksson in Torsby this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s daughter Lina, son Johan and father Sven during the funeral of their father in Torsby this morning
Mourners outside the funeral for football boss Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Karin Mattsson Weijber (third right), former head of the Swedish National Sports Federation (Riksidrottsförbundet), today
The ringing of a solitary bell on a chill, misty morning in the small, rural Swedish town of Torsby marked the start of Erikkson’s funeral service.
The song Sailing was played on the organ before the iconic 17th century English hymn Amazing Grace – the paean of a former slave trader turned abolitionist – was sung by the congregation in Swedish, with mourners remaining seated throughout.
Alongside pews running along the central aisle, attendees also sat on seats at the front and two balconies on either side, with a small group of accredited photographers located in front of the organ towards the back of the church.
Most mourners are dressed all in black, although some are carrying red roses.
In a sermon delivered in Swedish and then English, the vicars – one male and one female and dressed in white robes – described death as a ‘question mark, not a full stop’.
The male vicar, speaking in English, reflected how a person who is terminally ill may ‘yearn’ for death as a relief from their pain.
But death was described as a ‘ellipsis point used to show a continuation’. He added: ‘After death, there is continuation – it is not the end, but the beginning of something new.’
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s son Johan and daughter Lina during the funeral of their father in Torsby this morning
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Mourners outside the funeral for football boss Sven-Göran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
The funeral service for football coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is taking place at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s daughter Lina greets guests outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, before today’s funeral
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden ahead of today’s funeral
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
The interior of Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning with the coffin before Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Yaniseth Alcides, partner of Sven-Göran Eriksson, arrives for the funeral in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Former England player David Beckham with daughter of Sven-Göran Eriksson, Lina Eriksson, at the funeral this morning
A floral wreath from Tord Grip and his family during the funeral of Sven-Göran Eriksson in Torsby this morning
Mourners outside the funeral for football boss Sven-Göran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral is taking place at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Nancy Dell’Olio greets Sven-Goran Eriksson’s son Johan on the steps of Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, today
A man wearing a IFK Goteborg football kit pays his respects outside the funeral service of Sven-Goran Eriksson today
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Providing some personal reflections, he continued: ‘Today is a day of grief, but also a day of thankfulness. There is much to be thankful for. In time, this thankfulness may fill some of the emptiness that he leaves behind.’
He spoke of the ‘many fine memories’ of Eriksson, including precious time spent at home, which was ‘finer than a five star hotel’. He was described as ‘kind’, while the vicar also reflected on his tendency to wear suits as a child and read detective novels.
He called him a loving father, who ‘was rubbish at shopping’. He was also said to struggle with dancing before becoming ‘proficient at salsa’.
Eriksson was described as ‘never late’ and a lover of routine – rising early for breakfast even on holidays.
He was a big reader and interested in politics, religion and history, although he also admired the finer things in life like wine and travelling first class, the vicar said.
He was said to combine an ‘iron’ will with a humble, considerate demeanour. The vicar described his last few weeks as ‘full of life’ – accompanied with ‘outpourings of love’ – including when he walked onto the pitch with his granddaughter at Anfield.
Former Liverpool and Sweden footballer Glenn Hysén arrives for the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson Funeral in Torsby today
A floral wreath from IFK Göteborg during the funeral of Sven-Göran Eriksson in Torsby this morning
Mourners outside the funeral for football boss Sven-Göran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
David Beckham at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Nancy Dell’Olio greets Sven-Goran Eriksson’s son Johan on the steps of Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, today
Former England player David Beckham with daughter of Sven-Göran Eriksson, Lina Eriksson, at the funeral this morning
The coffin of Sven-Goran Eriksson is carried into Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of his funeral
A floral wreath from IFK Göteborg football team during the funeral of Sven-Göran Eriksson in Torsby this morning
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Yaniseth Alcides, partner of Sven-Göran Eriksson, touches the coffin at the funeral in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
The funeral service for football coach Sven-Göran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Members of the public outside the church ahead of the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson in Torsby this morning
Former Swedish footballer Thomas Nordahl ahead of the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson in Torsby this morning
Mourners outside the funeral for football boss Sven-Göran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Tommy Söderberg, former head coach of Sweden, ahead of the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson in Torsby this morning
A floral wreath from the Lazio ultras during the funeral of Sven-Göran Eriksson in Torsby this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s father, also called Sven, arrives at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning for the funeral
The congregation stood for the Commendation, before a reading from the Gospel of Luke, 20:38 – ‘He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.’
Following a poem chosen by the family, a song was performed by the female vicar, before a heartfelt solo performance of Candle of the Wind – using similar lyrics to those performed at Princess Diana’s funeral, with ‘England’ substituted at the start of ‘our’ and, later in the song, for the name of the local region.
The reading of the Lord’s Prayer was followed by the singing of the hymn How Great Thou Art, with the voices of the large congregation echoing around the towering whitewashed walls of the church.
Frank Sinatra’s My Way was sung as a solo by a male and female singer, before the relatives walked up towards the altar and placed their flowers on the coffin.
Members of the Eriksson family were seen comforting one another as they bade their final farewell, with some holding back tears.
Mourners were asked to place their own flowers in an area outside the west door so they could be included in the procession.
After standing still for a few brief minutes, the family members made their way back to their seats at the front of the church.
The vicar delivered the final prayer, followed by the blessing.
The song ‘Volare’ was sung by a male soloist to the accompaniment of a grand piano, with a man saying ‘bravo’ at the end – eliciting quiet laughter from some of the congregation.
Afterwards, two guitarists began playing a popular local anthem, before members of a local football club rose from their seats and gathered near the west door.
The football team – acting as pallbearers – walked down the central aisle before lifting up the coffin and carrying it at waist height towards the west door.
Members of the Eriksson family formed in place behind it, with the rest of the congregation invited to follow by the funeral ushers.
Former footballer Glenn Strömberg and TV commentator Niklas Holmgren during the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden ahead of today’s funeral
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s daughter Lina greets guests outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, before today’s funeral
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
The funeral service for football coach Sven-Göran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Andrea Möllerberg, general secretary and Kim Källström, head of football at the Swedish football federation, arrive today
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral is taking place at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Arrivals at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
Nancy Dell’Olio greets Sven-Goran Eriksson’s son Johan on the steps of Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, today
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s children Johan (left) and Lina (right) arrive for his funeral at Fryksande Church in Torsby today
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Bengt Berg, who helped write Eriksson’s forthcoming book A Beautiful Game, arrives at the church this morning
In his final words in a newspaper column following his death aged 76 from pancreatic cancer, Eriksson wrote: ‘Life is always to be celebrated.’
And that very same spirit was present among the many hundreds of people laying him to rest today in the huge and very public funeral in his hometown in western Sweden.
The sombre atmosphere was accompanied by a sense of thanksgiving for a man who was both a footballing great and a local hero.
Around 600 mourners were packed into Fryksande church, a stately red brick building perched on a hill overlooking the town, with 400 seats reserved for members of the public who queued from early in the morning to get a seat.
By 7.30am local time (6.30am UK) the area remained shrouded in thick fog, with temperatures hovering around 8C (46F). The fog later cleared but conditions remained overcast, although some sun is forecast later.
Among the congregation are the great and the good of world football, including Beckham – a member of the Golden Generation of England stars that Eriksson led for five years.
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s daughter Lina greets guests outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, before today’s funeral
Former England manager Roy Hodgson ahead of the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
The order of service for the funeral of former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson in his home town of Torsby today
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Nancy Dell’Olio greets Sven-Goran Eriksson’s son Johan on the steps of Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, today
Yaniseth Alcides, partner of Sven-Göran Eriksson, arrives for the funeral in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Arrivals at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Arrivals at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s father Sven and son Johan greet each other outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden ahead of today’s funeral
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral is taking place at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, today
Yaniseth Alcides, partner of Sven-Göran Eriksson, arrives for the funeral in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sat the front of the church were Eriksson’s close family including his daughter, Lina and son, Johan, who followed in his father’s footsteps by playing football before going into management.
His 95-year-old father Sven was also in attendance alongside Eriksson’s partner Yaniseth Alcides.
With so many wishing to pay tribute, hundreds more gathered outside the church to watch the proceedings screened live on a big screen.
While the rest of the world knew him as Sven, locals called him by his nickname, ‘Svennis’ – after his younger brother Lars-Erik’s attempt to pronounce his name.
Today, those attending the funeral said he was known around town for his friendly, approachable demeanour.
‘You could just go up to him, say hi, and he would be happy to have a conversation,’ one told MailOnline.
Eriksson’s coffin, which was brought into Fryksande church prior to the arrival of the congregation, was made of light-coloured wood and has been placed at the front of the church topped by a bouquet of white flowers and surrounded by four large candles.
At least ten more floral bouquets were spread around the steps leading up to the altar, while further up were four wreaths, including one bearing the banner of the Lazlo ultras.
A series of popular songs were played on the organ as the guests assembled, including Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World, Bridge Over Troubled Water and Yesterday by the Beatles.
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s daughter Lina greets guests outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, before today’s funeral
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s father, also called Sven, arrives at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning for the funeral
Arrivals at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Flowers from Fifa at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning before Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
Arrivals at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Arrivals at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral is taking place at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s son Johan greets guests outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, before today’s funeral
Arrivals at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s son Johan greets guests outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, before today’s funeral
The order of service for the funeral of former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson in his home town of Torsby today
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
The interior of Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning with the coffin before Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
Arrivals at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
Yaniseth Alcides, partner of Sven-Göran Eriksson, arrives for the funeral in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s father, also called Sven, arrives at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning for the funeral
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s daughter Lina greets guests outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, before today’s funeral
Former Liverpool and Sweden footballer Glenn Hysén arrives for the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson Funeral in Torsby today
Photogaphers outside the church ahead of the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson in Torsby this morning
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden ahead of today’s funeral
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s father Sven and son Johan greet each other outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
The interior of Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning with the coffin before Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s son Johan greets guests outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, before today’s funeral
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral is taking place at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Arrivals at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral is taking place at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Arrivals at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
The screen outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, displays a picture of Eriksson ahead of the funeral this morning
Arrivals at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
The interior of Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning with the coffin before Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s father, also called Sven, arrives at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning for the funeral
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Born in Sunne just a half an hour journey away, Eriksson grew up in the small town of 4,000 people, before playing for local football team Torsby IF from 1964 to 1971.
The cosy, sleepy place would of course be the springboard for far greater success, with the mild-mannered Swede enjoying a stellar career taking in club giants including Roma and Lazio before coaching the Three Lions, Manchester City and Leicester.
Eriksson had tipped England for future tournament success in a final column for the Daily Telegraph earlier this summer, which his family permitted to be published ahead of his funeral.
‘Writing a piece about death of course makes you reflective. Everything went too quickly! Where did life go? But one thought always comes to the front of my mind: it has been a dream. One of the best jobs you can have in the world is to be a football manager,’ Eriksson wrote.
‘Being appointed as the England manager was a huge honour, perhaps the highlight of my career. When I was asked if I wanted the job, I didn’t believe it. It was one of the happiest days of my life. The job is impossible to refuse. There were many highs.
‘If I had ever lifted a World Cup with England, I would have collected the trophy and then retired. It would have been perfect. Sooner or later England will win a big trophy and I think it could happen very quickly. There is such huge quality in that team.’
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s longtime lover Nancy Dell’Olio outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden ahead of today’s funeral
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s children Johan (left) and Lina (second left) arrive for his funeral at Fryksande Church in Torsby today
The screen outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, displays a picture of Eriksson ahead of the funeral this morning
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s children Johan (left) and Lina (second left) arrive for his funeral at Fryksande Church in Torsby today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s son Johan greets guests outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, before today’s funeral
The screen outside Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, displays a picture of Eriksson ahead of the funeral this morning
Arrivals at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s son Johan ahead of today’s funeral at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral is taking place at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s children Johan (left) and Lina (right) arrive for his funeral at Fryksande Church in Torsby today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral is taking place at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, today
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral is taking place at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s children Johan (left) and Lina (second left) arrive for his funeral at Fryksande Church in Torsby today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s father, also called Sven, arrives at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning for the funeral
Flowers from Lazio at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning before Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
Arrivals at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
David Beckham arrives at the funeral service for Sven-Goran Eriksson at Fryksände church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning
A reporter from Sky Sports speaks ahead of the funeral of Sven-Goran Eriksson in Torsby this morning
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s children Johan (left) and Lina (second left) arrive for his funeral at Fryksande Church in Torsby today
Sven-Goran Eriksson’s father, also called Sven, arrives at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning for the funeral
Arrivals at Fryksande Church in Torsby, Sweden, this morning ahead of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral
Eriksson announced in January his cancer diagnosis and revealed he had at best a year to live, which sparked an outpouring of adulation and resulted in visits to several former clubs in addition to Liverpool, who allowed the lifelong Reds fan to manage their Legends team at Anfield in March.
After he described the experience as beautiful and reflected fondly on ‘fireball’ Wayne Rooney, Eriksson wrote: ‘The response from the public has been wonderful. It gave me energy and positivity. I have cried a lot over the past few months. They have been happy tears, mostly.
‘I would like people to remember me as a decent coach who tried to do his best. My message to everyone would be: don’t give up. Never give up. Do not give up, is my message for life. And please don’t forget this: life is always, always to be celebrated.’
