Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink reckons Gareth Southgate is living proof that being England manager is a thankless task.
Hasselbaink was part of Southgate’s coaching staff which helped the Three Lions reach the Euro 2024 final in Germany this summer, England’s first major final on foreign soil – and second Euros final in succession under Southgate.
Southgate, who stood down in the wake of the final defeat to Spain in Berlin, also led the national side to a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final, making him the most successful national boss since 1966 World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey.
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But despite all he achieved, Southgate still found himself widely criticised in some quarters, while a group of England fans pelted him with plastic beer cups in the wake of one game at the Euros.
And Hasselbaink reckons this proves that whoever leads England will be on a hiding to nothing. He told Genting Casino: “I don’t think there can be an argument made to say that Gareth Southgate didn’t do a fantastic job managing England.
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“He brought everyone together and was completely responsible for generating a brilliant mood in the England camp between the players. The atmosphere, the camaraderie, the togetherness, you have to give credit to the manager for that.
“I think the England job is a thankless task. Look at what Gareth Southgate achieved in the time he was managing England. When he took over, where were they? They were going nowhere. He took over and made an instant impact.”
Former Chelsea striker Hasselbaink, who admitted he couldn’t sleep for weeks following the loss to Spain, believes England fans are foolish not to appreciate how fortunate the Three Lions were to have Southgate in charge.
He added: “When people think of England at a major tournament, they are always one of the favourites. And Gareth is responsible for changing that narrative, because of what he’s achieved with the team.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I don’t think a lot of England fans understood the size of the achievements, and also the fact that Gareth took England to its first final on foreign soil. England had never played a final outside of its own country before. They’ve never won anything anywhere other than Wembley in 1966.
“Whatever people will say, Gareth made history with England, and he put the team back on the map. Yes, I hear the criticism about the team’s fluency, but you know what, we got England to within 90 minutes of becoming a European champion.”
Jimmy Floyd Hassebaink was speaking to Genting Casino.