MANAGER CAPABLE OF ENDING DROUGHT

Ex-stars say England boss Southgate brings team together, can also bring home trophy

- Ervin Ang

Tactically inept, slow to react with substitutions and an over-conservative style of football.

While these are some common criticisms directed at England manager Gareth Southgate, former Three Lions internationals Emile Heskey and Glen Johnson offered a contrarian viewpoint that Southgate is an excellent man-manager.

On June 16 (June 17, Singapore time), England kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia, banking on Southgate's unifying ability to lift their first international trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

Heskey, 46, told The Straits Times: "Everyone keeps pointing fingers but he got us to a semis (2018 World Cup) and a final (2020 Euro). You can't do that being a poor manager. His qualities are bringing the team together. It doesn't seem like there are any factions in the squad."

After all, Southgate's track record speaks for itself. The 53-year-old has led them to three major tournaments and has never faltered before the quarter-final stage.