Emile Heskey pays tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson for legendary England moment fans still thank him for
Emile Heskey has paid a touching tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson after attributing him with the best moment of his career.
The former England international is a bona-fide legend of the Premier League, smashing up defences in the shirts of Aston Villa, Wigan Athletic and Liverpool to name a few.
But while tormenting Premier League defences on a weekly basis, Heskey has admitted that donning the shirt of the Three Lions was his proudest moment.
Specifically, bagging a legendary goal against Germany in the famous 5-1 victory of 2001, something he still admits fans talk to him about to this day.
Emile Heskey has paid tribute to Sven-Goran Eriksson
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Speaking to GB News on behalf of BetMGM, Heskey also revealed how Eriksson, who sadly passed away last month after battling cancer, recently spoke to him about that game.
Heskey said: “I had so many different defining moments in my career, but I think the best is the one that is the most memorable for the fans.
“Wherever I go in the world, everyone always remembers the 5-1 game against Germany in Munich playing for England.
"I could be anywhere in the world and bump into an England fan, and they'll say, thank you for that.
“We've just lost a great manager and an even better person in Sven Goran Eriksson; I met up with him a few years ago and he said every player on that pitch will be forever remembered for that.
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"He was right, it was a memorable day for both the players and the fans.”
Erikkson was still in the early days of his reign as England manager when they faced Germany in World Cup qualifying, having been hired in February that year.
When the Three Lions faced Germany in September - 23 years ago this month - they had only ever lost one home game in World Cup qualification before and took the lead after six minutes.
Sven-Goran Eriksson will always be loved for that England result over Germany
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Michael Owen struck just moments later, going on to score a hat-trick while Steven Gerrard and Heskey also got amongst the goals.
It was a result that made Eriksson an instant hero among the England fans, especially to those who had travelled to the Olympiastadion that night in Munich.
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One of Emile Heskey's seven goals for England came against Germany
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The Swedish manager coached the Three Lions for another five years, leading them during two World Cups and Euro 2004.
Heskey, meanwhile, might never have been the most prolific goalscorer for England - having scored just seven in 62 appearances.
But one of those goals will always be remembered by England fans, who will continue thanking the former striker every time.