A foreign manager has never won a World Cup, we are reminded. Yet England shouldn’t fear appointing a manager outside of the country.
When Fabio Capello’s reign as England manager ended, there was a focus on hiring an English manager to replace him. Well guess what? That didn’t work either with Roy Hodgson failing miserably over three tournaments.
Sven-Goran Eriksson was the first foreign manager hired by England back in 2001. He inherited the ‘golden generation’ with the likes of David Beckham, Michael Owen, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Teddy Sheringham. Eriksson led England to the quarter-finals of World Cup 2002, Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006.
After Steve McClaren failed to lead England to qualification for Euro 2008, Italian Fabio Capello was brought in. Capello guided England to nine wins from 10 qualification games for the 2010 World Cup, but the team fell apart in South Africa, demolished 4-1 by Germany in the Round of 16.
The decision was made following Capello’s resignation in 2012 to hire an English manager. It’s a fine idea in theory, but the problem the FA is now faced with following Hodgson’s departure is a lack of top managers in the country.
With that in mind, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger would be an ideal fit for England. Before we go into detail, let’s first look at the potential English candidates for the job.
List of potential English managers
Glenn Hoddle
Sam Allardyce
Gareth Southgate*
Alan Pardew
Eddie Howe
Harry Redknapp
Alan Shearer
Steve Bruce
*Gareth Southgate has ruled himself out of the job
It’s hardly an inspiring list. Many of these managers lack experience at the top level required to manage England. The only two worthy candidates would be Glenn Hoddle and Harry Redknapp. Redknapp would be the best choice of the bunch.
The FA need to appoint the best manager for the job, even if he isn’t English. That simply doesn’t matter, so long as it’s the right manager.
Wenger would be a smart choice. Unlike Capello, Wenger understands English soccer. After all, he’s lived in London as manager of Arsenal since 1996. In that time, he’s won three Premier League titles, six FA Cup trophies and guided the Gunners to a Champions League final.
Wenger’s biggest criticism in recent years has been his activity in the transfer market. As England boss, he wouldn’t need to worry about this. Wenger believes in youth, and he would have a whole host of talented young English players to work with including Harry Kane and Dele Alli.
What Wenger would do is establish an attacking, entertaining style of play and put the players in a position to succeed. He would be respected and looked up to by the entire squad every time the team meets.
Wenger understands English soccer, British culture and he would bring valuable experience to the table. He wouldn’t be intimidated by the prospect of managing on the grandest world stage, and he’s resilient enough to ignore the howl of the wolves when the going gets tough.
The Arsenal manager has one year left on his current contract. Should the Gunners decide to move on, England would be wise to make a move.
Waiting until the end of the season might be the problem in any approach by the FA. An agreement between Wenger and the FA would need to be established in advance. An interim boss, perhaps Gareth Southgate, could guide the country through its initial World Cup qualifiers ahead of Wenger’s arrival next summer.
Next: Does the Premier League hurt the national team?
Wenger’s run with Arsenal might be nearing an end, but what better way to cap off his excellent career than to lead the England national team?