He's a World Cup winner

Colin Lyne is a dead ringer for England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson -- and he has seen his life transformed since the Swede took over the national side.

In January last year, the Bolton Evening News photographer's quiet life was turned upside down when a colleague remarked on his similarity to the new England boss.

The likeness was featured in our newspaper -- and since then, Colin, of Lowton, Leigh, has starred as Sven in adverts, appeared on television programmes and even performed in Ant and Dec's World Cup pop video.

Walking through Leigh, he has been spotted by a group of England fans and carried aloft on their shoulders.

And he has even got a sponsorship deal with Vision Express who gave him a pair of Sven's famous pale blue glasses!

"I didn't even like football when Sven took over, so I had not even heard of him," Colin said.

"But before I knew it, I was in national newspapers and appearing on TV and I even had my own agent."

Colin now follows England's fortunes and gathered his family together to watch England's opening World Cup match against Sweden..

Last September, he was a special guest when England took on Albania at Newcastle -- the first time he had been to a match as a spectator.

While they may look similar, Sven and Colin are very different. Colin said: "Sven is famous for being so laid back, whereas I am very excitable.

"But I try not to be just a lookalike. When I go to functions, I have to get the act just right, which means trying to adopt a bit of the Swedish accent.

"If kids are there, I'll even sign an autograph."

Colin has a great sense of loyalty to Sven, which was put to the test in April when revelations appeared about the England boss's relationship with TV star Ulrika Johnsson.

Colin said: "I was given the chance to make money by hanging around outside Ulrika's house for photographers. But I didn't want anything to do with that kind of thing. Sven has given me a chance in life. Thanks to him, I have been given a wonderful opportunity to do exciting things."

Colin met Sven for the first time earlier this year on the set of an advert. He had no idea that the Swede was in the building, but they bumped into each other in a corridor.

"It was quite an emotional moment for me because I feel that I owe him a lot," said Colin. "But it was made extra-special because he smiled at me and asked me where I got my glasses from. I enjoyed that personal touch."

Colin is under no illusion that his act has a sell-by date, but at the moment he is making the most of his good fortune.

"I'm sure that one day things will die down, but I've got bookings until the autumn," he said. "I won't be upset when it does end, I've been fortunate to have had my fifteen minutes of fame and make some money."

Does Colin think he looks like Sven?

"Well," he said, "Sven is a few inches taller than me, but whenever he appears on TV my two-year-old grandson Liam shouts 'Grandad!' That will do for me."

WHATEVER the final fate of the England soccer team, one man is already a World Cup winner.

Colin Lyne is a dead ringer for England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson -- and he has seen his life transformed since the Swede took over the national side.

In January last year, the Bolton Evening News photographer's quiet life was turned upside down when a colleague remarked on his similarity to the new England boss.

The similarity was spotlighted in our newspaper -- and since then, Colin, of Lowton, Leigh, has starred as Sven in adverts, appeared on television programmes and even performed in Ant and Dec's World Cup pop video.

While walking through Leigh, he has been spotted by a group of England fans and carried aloft on their shoulders.

And he has even got a sponsorship deal with Vision Express who gave him a pair of Sven's famous pale blue, see-through glasses!

"I didn't even like football when Sven took over, so I had not even heard of him," Colin said.

"But before I knew it, I was in national newspapers and appearing on TV and I even had my own agent."

Colin now follows England's fortunes and gathered his family together to watch England's opening World Cup match against Sweden..

Last September, he was a special guest when England took on Albania at Newcastle -- the first time he had been to a match as a spectator.

While they may look similar, Sven and Colin are very different. Colin said: "Sven is famous for being so laid back, whereas I am very excitable.

"But I try not to be just a lookalike. When I go to functions, I have to get the act just right, which means trying to adopt a bit of the Swedish accent.

"If kids are there, I'll even sign an autograph."

Colin has a great sense of loyalty to Sven, which was put to the test in April when revelations appeared about the England boss's relationship with TV star Ulrika Johnsson.

Colin said: "I was given the chance to make money by hanging around outside Ulrika's house for photographers. But I didn't want anything to do with that kind of thing. Sven has given me a chance in life. Thanks to him, I have been given a wonderful opportunity to do exciting things."

Colin met Sven for the first time earlier this year on the set of an advert. He had no idea that the Swede was in the building, but they bumped into each other in a corridor.

"It was quite an emotional moment for me because I feel that I owe him a lot," said Colin.

"But it was made extra-special because he smiled at me and asked me where I got my glasses from. I enjoyed that personal touch."

Colin is under no illusion that his act has a sell-by date, but at the moment he is making the most of his good fortune.

"I'm sure that one day things will die down, but I've got bookings until the autumn," he said.

"I won't be upset when it does end, I've been fortunate to have had my fifteen minutes of fame and make some money."

Does Colin think he looks like Sven?

"Well," he said, "Sven is a few inches taller than me, but whenever he appears on TV my two-year-old grandson Liam shouts 'Grandad!' That will do for me."