Eriksson will stand down after the 2006 World Cup finals

The move follows newspaper revelations about comments he made to an undercover reporter.

Here, BBC Sport looks into the reaction to Sven's announcement.

"His job was to qualify for two championships - the European Championship and the World Cup - and he did his job. That's what he was brought here to do.

"But he did do some peculiar things in my eyes and he never had a Plan B.

Exit will help England - Butcher

"I worked with three England managers who all said they would be leaving before the tournament we went in to started.

"Before the 1982 World Cup Ron Greenwood told everyone he was retiring, Bobby Robson told everyone he was going to PSV before the 1990 World Cup and in 1996, Terry Venables did the same.

"In each case, at no point did I think there was anyone not giving it everything, they were fantastic.

"Players are more concerned with the playing and winning. They will listen to the man in charge and that's that."

Listen to Don Howe on Radio Five Live

"I think it was probably inevitable.

"The FA have felt themselves in a position where they have got to try to put aside all of that speculation and focus people's minds - especially the players' - on the World Cup, and knowing whether or not they are going to keep the management in place."

Watch the interview with Gordon Taylor

"I'm shocked and disappointed. This is less than ideal, in the sense that we've done possibly the hard part - qualifying for a World Cup - and we've got probably our best chance of succeeding since 1966.

FA to begin hunt for England boss

"His record as manager of the England team has been excellent. We have got a fantastic group of players and we have a great opportunity of being very, very successful.

"As chairman of the League Managers' Association, I would hope English contenders for the managerial position have got more than a head start."

"The decision appeared inevitable, it is not ideal for anybody and the timing is less than satisfactory.

"Having said that, the decision has been taken and we must look positively to the immediate future of the England team."

"I think the best thing for the team and probably everybody concerned with the World Cup would have been to announce it after the tournament.

"Sometimes when you announce the manager is going to be changed, some of the players come off the gas and take it too easy."

Listen to Chris Waddle on Radio Five Live

"It's not good timing, especially when we've got such a chance to win the World Cup.

"He had put himself in a position that was untenable after what he had said.

"I personally think if he is going to go, he should have gone now.

"My initial thoughts would be to put Sir Bobby Robson in temporary charge, he's got a wealth of experience and has been and done it. I think he's old and wise enough to carry us through and get that trophy."