5 'don'ts' for England's next manager

29 June 2016 12:23

Roy Hodgson's resignation following the humiliating Euro 2016 exit to Iceland has plunged English football into its latest crisis.

The Football Association is planning a widespread search for his successor, highlighting that time and nationality is no barrier as they look for the right person.

Whoever is appointed will have their work cut out and Press Association Sport points out five areas where they need to avoid becoming unstuck.

DON'T PICK UNFIT PLAYERS

It is only natural to want the most talented players at your disposal, but is a 75 per cent fit Jack Wilshere really a better option than a fully-fit title winner like Danny Drinkwater? Leeds have had six managers since the oft-injured Arsenal midfielder last played 90 minutes, yet he made three underwhelming appearances at Euro 2016. It is not the first time it has happened but should be the last.

DON'T LET PLAYERS RETREAT BEHIND HEADPHONES AT THE EXPENSE OF CAMARADERIE

The importance of 'getting in the zone' cannot be underestimated, but neither can talking through issues, complaints or even, on the odd occasion with England, what went right. Too often players walk around in their own bubble, headphones on or fiddling with their phones. The loss to Iceland led Chris Waddle, a World Cup semi-finalist, to angrily rebuke the headphone-clad, pampered generation.

DON'T LEAVE PLAYERS IN DOUBT ABOUT WHO IS IN CHARGE

Whispers of discontent were often heard around Chantilly, where England were based - all too shortly - during Euro 2016. Reports of unhappiness with selection and formation then emerged after the defeat to Iceland, yet it was the players that let themselves and the country down. England's new manager needs to lay down the law and give little credence to suggestions he needs to earn their respect. Why should he respect them after this summer?

DON'T EXPERIMENT WITH YOUR TEAM AT KEY TIMES

England had three preparation matches in the build-up to Euro 2016 and won all of them, albeit not in the most convincing of fashions. It was a chance to try new things: the decision to give 18-year-old Marcus Rashford his debut paid off against Australia, whereas the attempt to play Jamie Vardy, Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane in attack together against Portugal did not. Rather than return to the tried and tested, though, Hodgson put all-time top scorer Rooney in midfield for the first time in his international career in the opener against Russia. It worked in the group stage but failed miserably against Iceland, with a team of players lacking confidence looking lost. Tweak the tried and tested, do not rip things up.

DON'T GET COMPLACENT

Hodgson made six changes for the final Group B clash against Slovakia, despite the fact topping the pool was far from assured. Lacking inspiration and coherence, England were held to a goalless draw in St Etienne as Wales pipped them to the group, sending them into a more treacherous half of the draw. In the end it mattered little as they fell at the first hurdle to a country the size of Leicester, when hard-working and organised Iceland overawed England. Complacency appeared to seep into both management and players.

Source: PA