The Football Association this afternoon confirmed Sven-Goran Eriksson as the new England manager.

The Swedish coach will leave Lazio in the summer to take up the role on a five-year contract.

However, the FA are still hopeful of having their man before the summer, with discussions continuing with the Italian Serie A side in the hope of Eriksson taking charge of the England team for World Cup qualifiers next spring.

The successor to Kevin Keegan, Eriksson will be the first overseas coach to take charge of the England side.

His contract with the FA officially starts on July 1 next year after the end of his existing deal with Lazio.

News that Eriksson was about to agree to the deal was reported in this afternoon's Evening Press, which included a full breakdown of the 52-year-old's career.

"Sven-Goran Eriksson was the unanimous choice of our selection team. He is one of the best coaches in the world," said FA chief executive Adam Crozier .

"At no stage did we approach any other manager. He was, and is our number one choice.

"We are very hopeful that we will be able to manage the team for the World Cup qualfiers in March and June.

"He will work with Peter Taylor and Steve McClaren and ties in 100 per cent to our strategy."

York-born McClaren is a former York Schools player.