Sven-Goran Eriksson believed in me when nobody did - it led to Champions League with Man United

Sven-Goran Erikkson - the leader of England's 'Golden Generation'. Ultimately it was a period that failed to produce the titles many felt were destined to come, though that is not the only defining feature of a great coach.

Saturday marks a special day for the Swede. As a fan of Liverpool, the 76-year-old lives out a lifelong dream of his by taking charge of the club at Anfield in a charity match featuring former players. This came upon an invitation from the club following his terminal cancer diagnosis in January.

Today also sees the return of the England national team to action. In their preparations for the summer's European Championships, Gareth Southgate and his men play host to Brazil at Wembley Stadium.

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Erikkson took charge of 66 Three Lions matches during his tenure, overseeing the team at three major finals. Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Michael Owen - the list of upcoming talent at his disposal was endless, and all have one thing in common - they all owe a great deal of gratitude to their former tutor of the game.

"I just wanted to say 'thank you' for everything you did for me throughout my career, for believing in me when a lot of people didn't," says another of that era, ex-Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

"You actually changed my career and changed my life in so many ways. So I just wanted to say 'thank you', your support meant so much to me and I just wanted to wish you all the best. Lots of love, stay strong."

The Canadian-born England international was