The Ultimate Dream: Harry Redknapp Reflects on the England Manager Job
Introduction:
For many years, the England manager job has been dubbed the “Impossible Job.” However, former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp reveals that for him, it was always the ultimate dream. In 2012, when the position was available, Redknapp expressed his desire to manage the national team. Although he wasn’t approached by the FA, he received plenty of messages from people at the League Managers Association insisting he would get the job. Eventually, Roy Hodgson was appointed, but Redknapp admits that managing England would have been a great honor.
The Envy of the Euros:
Redknapp believes that Gareth Southgate’s England squad in Euro 2024 is the envy of the tournament. Despite a slow start, they topped their group, and the way their half of the draw has opened up gives them a great chance to win it all. Redknapp acknowledges that there has been criticism of the team’s performance, but he compares it to the treatment Graham Taylor received during his time as England manager. Taylor was brutally ridiculed by the entire country, and even Bobby Robson faced his fair share of grief before the successful 1990 World Cup campaign. Compared to them, Southgate has faced relatively mild criticism.
An Opportunity on a Plate:
Redknapp believes that the draw in Euro 2024 has been kind to England and presents them with an excellent opportunity to succeed. He highlights players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and James Maddison as talents any other nation would build their team around. However, despite their absence from the squad, Redknapp remains confident in England’s chances. He dismisses Slovakia as weak opposition and expects England to dominate them. He calls for a more attacking and positive approach from the team to maximize their potential.
The Middle Ground:
Redknapp reminds readers that managing a national team is never as easy as it seems or as difficult as it is often portrayed. He asserts that Southgate has done a decent job so far, with a World Cup semi-final and a Euros final appearance on his resume. While luck has played a part in their progress, Redknapp hopes that this time Southgate can lead England to victory and prove that the job is not impossible after all.
Conclusion:
Harry Redknapp’s reflections on the England manager job provide unique insights into his own aspirations and the current state of the national team. He acknowledges the honor and opportunity that comes with managing England, while also highlighting the challenges and criticisms that come with the role. Redknapp believes that the current squad has a genuine chance to win Euro 2024 and emphasizes the importance of an attacking and positive approach. Overall, his perspective adds depth and analysis to the topic, making the narrative engaging and informative for readers.