Holland coach Steve Holland trusts Gareth Southgate is demonstrating similar key characteristics he found in any semblance of Jose Mourinho, Rafael Benitez and Antonio Conte at Chelsea. Holland worked with the London club’s first clubs from 2011 preceding joining Southgate, and England, in 2016. “I think with Gareth, he ticks so many of the boxes that the best that I’ve worked with tick,” Holland said.
“Does he understand man-management and getting the best out of players? Yes. Does he understand the value of giving staff ownership and responsibility? Yes absolutely. “Does he have experience of international football at the highest level? Yes. “He has some outstanding qualities and I’ve really seen him grow into the role.”
England play Panama on Sunday, looking to build on an encouraging, albeit last-gasp, opening win over Tunisia, but with morale high after Harry Kane’s double in Volgograd.