‘Incomplete’ Hoddle wants England role

Former manager Glenn Hoddle has suggested he would be interested in leading England on a caretaker basis at this summer’s European Championships.

The 54-year-old last managed his country in 1998 – losing his job after comments made in a newspaper interview – and has not coached a side since leaving Wolves in 2006. But, with no-one installed as England coach for the summer tournament following Fabio Capello’s departure, a number of names and options, in particular Harry Redknapp, Roy Hodgson and current caretaker Stuart Pearce, have been mentioned.

Hoddle, though, has added his name to that list by declaring yesterday that he feels he has unfinished business with the national job. “If I were to die tomorrow, my life would be incomplete,” he said, referring to his previous stint in charge.

“Would I get that opportunity [to manage England again]? Probably not. But I don’t dwell on the past and, if we fast-forward to the present, I think we have a batch of players capable of going to the Euros and doing well. I find it a very interesting moment.

“Because Stuart Pearce, Harry Redknapp, Roy Hodgson, myself – anyone – who went to the tournament with the status of a caretaker would have the pressure off him and the players would be liberated too, not least those who have been on the fringes and are accustomed to thinking the manager doesn’t fancy them.”

Hoddle, who won 53 England caps, doesn’t think using a caretaker coach is a bad an idea, should Redknapp not take the job on a permanent basis, citing the example of England’s rugby union side under Stuart Lancaster. “Look at how a caretaker has worked for the rugby team in the Six Nations – they’ve done fantastically,” he added. “Everyone’s got an edge. No-one’s sure of a place and everyone has an incentive. So I’d back the FA if they decided not to go for a full-time manager yet. If Harry goes and does well, fine.”