Inside Sven-Goran Eriksson’s hometown: stars descend on tiny municipality with population of 4,000 for former England manager’s funeral

The small Swedish town of Torsby will briefly become the center of attention on Friday as former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is laid to rest.

Eriksson tragically passed away aged 76 on August 26 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, with countless tributes paid to the Swede.

He had revealed in January that he had ‘best case a year’ to live following his diagnosis and was surrounded by his family as he passed away.

A number of big names are expected to be present at the funeral at Fryksande Church in Torsby.

The tiny town, which has a population of just over 4,000, is where Erikkson grew up and spent his final days. 

Former England manager Eriksson sadly lost his battle with pancreatic cancer last month

The municipality is a scenic one with a luscious green landscape, mountains and a beautiful lake surrounding the main residential area.

The likes of fellow former England manager Roy Hodgson and ex-Three Lions captain David Beckham flew in to Karlstad Airport on Thursday, the latter arriving via a private jet. 

However, the majority of those in attendance at the service will be locals.

One of those is the Swede’s old friend Bengt Berg, who told The Mirror: ‘Sven was a big star in football, but he wasn’t a big star when he came back here. He was very ordinary and human. 

‘He was humble and never forgot his roots. They were very important to him and I think they helped him in his career.’

Police are anticipating anywhere from 500 to a few thousand residents to make their way to the 10am service at the church which has a capacity of 600.

There will also be a big screen outside so those who don’t make it inside can watch.

The streets around the stunning building have been close off with priest Ingela Alvskog, also a close friend of Eriksson’s, to undertake the ceremony.

A New Orleans jazz style funeral procession will follow with a brass band leading the former manager’s coffin to the grounds of the Kollsberg museum close by.

There will then be more speeches given on a stage flanked by a wooden Amphitheatre and Lake Fryken, something Eriksson had a great love for.

Eriksson’s favourite band Sven-Ingvars will also be performing before a group of around 150 invited guests will enjoy some of his preferred food.

Bengt added: ‘It will be mournful in the church, but the procession will be different. He wanted it to be like a carnival and to be joyful.

‘There will also be popular well-known songs at the event on the stage, including by the band Sven Ingvars, who will perform.’

Eriksson’s last days were spent at his remote mansion estate, which sat on the banks of the lake, where he has asked for his ashes be scattered.