According to reports, former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is in advanced talks to join Gareth Southgate’s coaching staff at England. The 50-year-old, who earned 23 caps for the Netherlands between 1998-2002, is set to replace Chris Powell in the Three Lions set-up. Powell had worked with England in the last two major tournaments, but he has decided to leave his role to focus on his job as head of coaching at Tottenham’s academy.
Hasselbaink has been out of the game since September after stepping down as Burton’s boss with the League One side bottom of the table. However, he is set for a swift return to football where he will come in for Powell following the expiration of his contract. It has been said that Hasselbaink and the Football Association are in advanced negotiations where he will join Southgate‘s backroom team. The news outlet also said that it was Southgate that approached the former Blues striker about the position. However, legal paperwork on the deal is yet to be finalised.
Hasselbaink began his managerial career in Belgium at Royal Antwerp, where he stood down in 2014 after a single year. He then made the switch to Burton, where in his first spell, he guided the Brewers to League Two glory. Championship side QPR came calling in 2015, but he was dismissed after ten months with the Hoops languishing in 17th spot. The Dutchman then linked up with Northampton, but he lasted less than a year before returning to Burton in January 2021.
Hasselbaink enjoyed two spells with Burton, and now he is claimed to become one of England’s first team coaches. The former Burton boss will bring a wealth of experience to Southgate’s coaching staff and could be a valuable addition to the Three Lions set-up. Hasselbaink is known for his attacking style of play, and his experience as a striker could help England’s forwards improve their game.
The former Chelsea striker is regarded as one of the best strikers in Premier League history, scoring 127 goals in 288 appearances for Chelsea, Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic. He also won the Premier League Golden Boot twice during his time at Stamford Bridge. Hasselbaink’s experience as a top-level striker could be invaluable to England’s forwards, especially with Harry Kane struggling for form this season.
Hasselbaink’s appointment would be a significant boost for England ahead of this summer’s European Championships. The Three Lions are one of the favourites to win the tournament, and adding someone of Hasselbaink’s calibre to their coaching staff could give them an edge over their rivals. Southgate has already assembled an impressive coaching team, including Steve Holland and Chris Powell, and adding Hasselbaink would only strengthen their chances of success.
In conclusion, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is reportedly set for a return to coaching with England. The former Chelsea striker is in advanced talks to join Gareth Southgate’s coaching staff and replace Chris Powell. Hasselbaink brings a wealth of experience to the Three Lions set-up and could be a valuable addition to their coaching team. His experience as a top-level striker could help England’s forwards improve their game, and his appointment would be a significant boost for the Three Lions ahead of this summer’s European Championships.