When Sven Goran Eriksson took over as the manager of the England national football team in 2001, he enjoyed a successful start to his tenure. However, his first defeat as England manager came at the hands of a European powerhouse. The country that inflicted this defeat on Eriksson's England team was Sweden.

The match took place on November 10, 2001, in a friendly international game held in Gothenburg, Sweden. Despite taking the lead through a goal from Nick Barmby, England ultimately lost 1-2 to the Swedish team. This defeat marked the end of Eriksson's unbeaten run as England manager and served as a wake-up call for the team as they prepared for future competitions.

Eriksson's time as England manager was characterized by a mix of successes and disappointments. He led the team to the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup and the 2004 European Championships but faced criticism for his team selections and tactics during his tenure. The defeat to Sweden was a significant moment in his early years as England manager and highlighted the challenges he would face in the role.

To learn more about Sven Goran Eriksson's time as England manager and his first defeat against Sweden, you can visit the official website of the Football Association (FA) at https://www.thefa.com/. This website contains information about the history of the England national team, including details about past managers and matches.

Additionally, you can explore articles and videos on reputable sports news websites such as ESPN and BBC Sport to gain further insights into Eriksson's tenure as England manager and the impact of the defeat to Sweden. These sources provide in-depth analysis and commentary on key moments in football history, including significant matches and managerial decisions.

In conclusion, Sweden was the country that inflicted Sven Goran Eriksson's first defeat as England football manager. This match served as a learning experience for Eriksson and the England team as they navigated the challenges of international competition.

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