The Football Association have approached West Bromwich Albion with a view to discussing the vacant England managerial vacancy with their manager, Roy Hodgson. While the announcement so far is only that contact has been made, the wording and the press reaction all points to an imminent appointment: Hodgson will be the new England manager.
The near euphoria of parts of UEFA Euro ’96 was barely repeated at FIFA World Cup 1998 in France, where England finished second in Group G because of a defeat by Romania, and went on to lose on penalties in an infamous second round game against Argentina in St Etienne. Glenn Hoddle departed in ignominious circumstances and was replaced in time for UEFA Euro 2000 by Kevin Keegan, who went on to quit after a defeat by Germany in the last international game at rhe old Wembley Stadium.
The Olympic Games have drawn much of the focus away from the England national team this week, but quiet weeks are rare when it comes to the Football Association and this one’s been no exception.
With UEFA Euro 2012 towering over us like an angry housemaster, one would hope that the England squad would be starting to take shape by now. To a certain extent, I think it probably is – but it’s doing so in the mind of Stuart Pearce at present, and the likelihood of Harry Redknapp being in his place this time next month will obviously have an effect.
Back in February, I got an early look at the new England home kit from Umbro, and very nice it is too. On that evening, the boys with the double diamond also kindly gave us a sneaky look at one or two other items, which were launched today as the St George Collection. The date is no coincidence, of course.
Supporting the England national football team from a fresh perspective.
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