UEFA Nations League

JUDE BELLINGHAM is set to miss the start of England’s Uefa Nations League campaign after being ruled out for a month with injury.The Real Madrid star, 21, was a star of the Three Lions run to the final at the Euros this summer.Jude Bellingham has been ruled out for a month after suffering a right leg injuryCredit: RexBellingham suffered the blow in training with the Spanish giantsCredit: AlamyHowever, he is now set to miss Lee Carsley’s first squad after picking up a plantar fasciitis injury in his right leg in training with the Spanish giants.A club statement said: “Following tests carried out today on our player Jude Bellingham, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the plantar thin muscle of his right leg.”Manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed the news after he was asked whether Bellingham would be available for Sunday’s LaLiga clash against Real Valladolid.The former Chelsea and Everton boss said: “Bellingham had a blow, he is being assessed,” but it has now confirmed that the midfielder would miss the next month of action.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBellingham was a key part of the Whites winning the Champions League and Spanish league title last season.The former Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund star scored 19 goals in a stunning debut season at the Bernabeu.Despite Bellingham’s absence, Ancelotti still has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, with new boy Kylian Mbappe eager to get on the scoresheet after failing to do so in week one.On the performance last week – a drab 1-1 draw at Mallorca – Ancelotti said the team “lacked balance” and said the attacking players needed to work a bit harder.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “It was a pretty clear game to evaluate, we lacked balance, it’s not very complicated. There is a clear solution.”With such an attacking team, the forwards have to work a bit harder. We have tried to fix it with a lot of work this week.”Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawBellingham did however, tee up Mbappe to score in the Uefa Super Cup against Atalanta, with Federico Valverde also on target.England embark on a new era following the departure of Gareth Southgate with their first matches coming on September 7 against Ireland and September 10 against Finland.Lee Carsley followed same path as De La Fuente and learned from Pep – why can’t he be England boss?By Tom BarclayBE honest. How many of you had heard of Luis de la Fuente before his glorious Euros?Don’t feel bad. Even Declan Rice admitted ahead of Sunday’s heartbreaking final that he was unaware of the smooth-headed 63-year-old a month or so ago.We all certainly know who De La Fuente is now after he masterminded La Roja’s perfect Euros campaign which ended with a deserved victory over England.That showpiece triumph in Berlin made it seven wins out of seven in the competition for his scintillating side.It rendered De La Fuente the first boss ever to win the Under-19 Euros, Under-21 Euros, the Nations League and the European Championship.And in so doing, it strengthened the case for another bold, bald tactician to take over as England boss now Gareth Southgate has stepped down.Lee Carsley has trodden a similar path as De La Fuente, successfully coaching his way up his national team’s youth ranks, culminating in last summer’s Under-21 Euro success.No doubt there would be questions about his suitability given his experience of coaching senior players is limited to brief caretaker spells at Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham.For sure, he would not bring the same star quality as a Frank Lampard. Most fans will just about remember Carsley as that ratter of a midfielder who played alongside Thomas Gravesen for Everton in the noughties.While there is also the thorny issue, at least for some, of the Brummie’s 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland, who ironically would be his first opponents if appointed.But park all that for a second, focus on his qualities and the argument to give him the big job can be a convincing one. First off, his team does not play like he used to. ‘Carsball’ is far sexier and heavily influenced by its creator watching Pep Guardiola’s free-flowing Barcelona train a decade ago, alongside 60 members of the public.That study trip to Catalonia changed his philosophy to be far more front-footed and it paved the way to some fabulous fare during last summer’s triumph in Georgia.Four of the five tournament goals boasting the most passes in the build-up belonged to his Young Lions. Fans bemoaning Southgate’s pragmatic style would be salivating if they watched back the build-up to Emile Smith Rowe’s strike against Israel in the group stage, or Cole Palmer’s in the semi against the same opposition.Carsley is a tactical innovator too.He was robbed of a centre-forward pretty much on the eve of the tournament last summer, thanks to Rhian Brewster’s injury and Flo Balogun switching to the USA.His response was to play Gordon through the middle. The Newcastle starlet won player of the tournament.Manchester United supporters likely remember Angel Gomes as a lightweight winger but Carsley played him as a shield in front of the back four to great effect.Gordon used the Under-21 Euros experience as his launchpad to make the senior squad this summer. But talking about Carsley 12 months ago, the Toon forward said: “He is the best man-manager I’ve had so far. “I feel like I can speak to him about anything on and off the pitch.“On the pitch, the way we’re playing football is a credit to him because we play the way he tells us to. “This might be the best footballing team I’ve played in, in terms of how we play and the combination play we play around the box, it’s really at an elite level. That’s down to Lee.”Those powers of motivation could be crucial to unleashing Jude Bellingham, who, like Solihull-born Carsley, is from the outskirts of Birmingham, specifically Stourbridge.Like Southgate, Carsley believes in the merits of giving them a comfortable environment to work in, particularly during tournaments.The 50-year-old is relatively quiet on the touchline, often seen on his haunches making notes in his dugout with his assistant Ashley Cole the more vocal.England’s greatest left-back Cole has learned a lot from Carsley despite having the far superior playing career. In the aftermath of the Under-21s success, which was won without conceding a goal, Cole reflected on the different attitudes players have to international duty now and in his day.The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender, 43, said: “We didn’t always want to go and the club manager would pull you out.“But I feel they truly, truly love coming here now. I think that is testament to what Lee has done here. He is kind, loving, someone that thinks about the players more than himself.”Other names will be in the frame but the FA will have seen how De La Fuente has taken Spain to new heights, despite his relative obscurity to the wider footballing world.The promotion of Carsley, who spent these Euros scouting England’s opponents, would take guts and faith in the much-feted ‘pathway’.He would have to brace himself for unprecedented levels of scrutiny – but he is ambitious.With his 50th birthday fast approaching, Carsley said in June last year: “Energy-wise, and I’m not saying the clock’s ticking, but if I don’t have a go at it then the boat is going to pass.”Few Spaniards were bowled over when De La Fuente was appointed in 2022 but he put them on course to sensational success.Who is to say putting Carsley at the helm could not have a similar effect? More

LEE CARSLEY has beckoned in the new era of England coaching after cutting two members of Gareth Southgate’s backroom staff.Carsley, 50, has taken on the role of interim England manager for the Three Lions’ Uefa Nations League games next month.Lee Carsley has made changes to the England backroom teamCredit: APKey men from the Gareth Southgate era have been cutCredit: RexCarsley has promoted coaches including Ashley Cole and Joleon Lescott to join him from the Under-21sCredit: GettyAnd ahead of his first squad announcement, Carsley has already gotten to work making changes at St George’s Park.According to The Telegraph, Mike Baker and Stephen O’Brien – the senior team’s lead performance analysts – will not be part of the next camp.The pair are full-time FA staff who worked in Southgate’s inner circle over the last eight years at the FA.In their place, Carsley has promoted ex-England internationals Ashley Cole and Joleon Lescott to assist him with the senior stars.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCole – capped 107 times by England – and Lescott – capped 26 times – were both on Carsley’s staff when the England Under-21 side won the Under-21 European Championship in Georgia last summer.More changes have also come from the changeover, with Carsley also being permitted to promote Under-21 analyst James Ryder and goalkeeper coach Tim Dittmer to work on the senior team.Meanwhile, the freelance coaches of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Paul Nevin are not expected to be renewed.The Nations League matches take place on September 7 and 10, with England taking on Ireland and Finland respectively.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSouthgate was initially given the England job on an interim basis, but was then appointed into the role full-time to replace Sam Allardyce.After eight years on the job that saw him lead England to two European Championship finals, Southgate stepped down this summer.Pep Guardiola refuses to rule out England manager job after Wayne Rooney tips him to succeed Gareth Southgate A farewell party was held for Southgate at the Belfry Hotel in Sutton Coldfield, adjoining the famous championship golf course, on Saturday.The former England manager’s staff were in attendance, as well as FA technical director John McDermott.McDermott is leading the search for Southgate’s successor along with FA chief executive Mark Bullingham.Lee Carsley followed same path as De La Fuente and learned from Pep – why can’t he be England boss?By Tom BarclayBE honest. How many of you had heard of Luis de la Fuente before his glorious Euros?Don’t feel bad. Even Declan Rice admitted ahead of Sunday’s heartbreaking final that he was unaware of the smooth-headed 63-year-old a month or so ago.We all certainly know who De La Fuente is now after he masterminded La Roja’s perfect Euros campaign which ended with a deserved victory over England.That showpiece triumph in Berlin made it seven wins out of seven in the competition for his scintillating side.It rendered De La Fuente the first boss ever to win the Under-19 Euros, Under-21 Euros, the Nations League and the European Championship.And in so doing, it strengthened the case for another bold, bald tactician to take over as England boss now Gareth Southgate has stepped down.Lee Carsley has trodden a similar path as De La Fuente, successfully coaching his way up his national team’s youth ranks, culminating in last summer’s Under-21 Euro success.No doubt there would be questions about his suitability given his experience of coaching senior players is limited to brief caretaker spells at Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham.For sure, he would not bring the same star quality as a Frank Lampard. Most fans will just about remember Carsley as that ratter of a midfielder who played alongside Thomas Gravesen for Everton in the noughties.While there is also the thorny issue, at least for some, of the Brummie’s 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland, who ironically would be his first opponents if appointed.But park all that for a second, focus on his qualities and the argument to give him the big job can be a convincing one. First off, his team does not play like he used to. ‘Carsball’ is far sexier and heavily influenced by its creator watching Pep Guardiola’s free-flowing Barcelona train a decade ago, alongside 60 members of the public.That study trip to Catalonia changed his philosophy to be far more front-footed and it paved the way to some fabulous fare during last summer’s triumph in Georgia.Four of the five tournament goals boasting the most passes in the build-up belonged to his Young Lions. Fans bemoaning Southgate’s pragmatic style would be salivating if they watched back the build-up to Emile Smith Rowe’s strike against Israel in the group stage, or Cole Palmer’s in the semi against the same opposition.Carsley is a tactical innovator too.He was robbed of a centre-forward pretty much on the eve of the tournament last summer, thanks to Rhian Brewster’s injury and Flo Balogun switching to the USA.His response was to play Gordon through the middle. The Newcastle starlet won player of the tournament.Manchester United supporters likely remember Angel Gomes as a lightweight winger but Carsley played him as a shield in front of the back four to great effect.Gordon used the Under-21 Euros experience as his launchpad to make the senior squad this summer. But talking about Carsley 12 months ago, the Toon forward said: “He is the best man-manager I’ve had so far. “I feel like I can speak to him about anything on and off the pitch.“On the pitch, the way we’re playing football is a credit to him because we play the way he tells us to. “This might be the best footballing team I’ve played in, in terms of how we play and the combination play we play around the box, it’s really at an elite level. That’s down to Lee.”Those powers of motivation could be crucial to unleashing Jude Bellingham, who, like Solihull-born Carsley, is from the outskirts of Birmingham, specifically Stourbridge.Like Southgate, Carsley believes in the merits of giving them a comfortable environment to work in, particularly during tournaments.The 50-year-old is relatively quiet on the touchline, often seen on his haunches making notes in his dugout with his assistant Ashley Cole the more vocal.England’s greatest left-back Cole has learned a lot from Carsley despite having the far superior playing career. In the aftermath of the Under-21s success, which was won without conceding a goal, Cole reflected on the different attitudes players have to international duty now and in his day.The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea defender, 43, said: “We didn’t always want to go and the club manager would pull you out.“But I feel they truly, truly love coming here now. I think that is testament to what Lee has done here. He is kind, loving, someone that thinks about the players more than himself.”Other names will be in the frame but the FA will have seen how De La Fuente has taken Spain to new heights, despite his relative obscurity to the wider footballing world.The promotion of Carsley, who spent these Euros scouting England’s opponents, would take guts and faith in the much-feted ‘pathway’.He would have to brace himself for unprecedented levels of scrutiny – but he is ambitious.With his 50th birthday fast approaching, Carsley said in June last year: “Energy-wise, and I’m not saying the clock’s ticking, but if I don’t have a go at it then the boat is going to pass.”Few Spaniards were bowled over when De La Fuente was appointed in 2022 but he put them on course to sensational success.Who is to say putting Carsley at the helm could not have a similar effect? More

BEN WHITE is considering a shock return to the England national team set up following the departure Gareth Southgate, according to reports.The Arsenal star sensationally ruled himself out of international selection in March after a speculated fall out with assistant coach Steve Holland.Ben White could be open to playing for England after Southgate stepped downCredit: GettyThe Arsenal star reportedly fell out with Steve Holland in 2022 – who has also left England following their 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro finalCredit: GettyIt was widely reported that White had decided to turn his back on the Three Lions and did not want to be considered for selection.Southgate admitted he would consider White again if he had a change of heart, but the 26-year-old never did. The controversy came in the wake of an alleged bust-up between White and Holland during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.But, according to the Daily Star, White is now considering a return to the fold following the departures of Southgate and Holland. READ MORE SPORT NEWSThe defender fell out with Holland after a ‘pointed remark’ – and left the England camp during the tournament to return home.He was never picked again – despite being one of the most consistent full-backs in the Premier League.In March, it was revealed that the rift between the pair was sparked by Holland questioning White’s interest in football.Southgate’s assistant reportedly asked Kyle Walker a question related to Manchester City ‘s performances in the previous season, before posing the same question to White in regards to Arsenal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhite allegedly claimed he did not know the answer, leading Holland to state that was down to his lack of interest in football.The Arsenal defender had previously reported – and since reiterated -that he doesn’t watch football and didn’t when he was growing up.Gareth Southgate quits as England manager after Euro 2024 exitNonetheless, White is a top drawer player and has impressed under Mikel Arteta for the last two title-chasing Premier League campaigns.As such, the news of his U-turn will be a huge boost to whoever the FA decide to pick as Southgate’s replacement.The front runner is Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, who confirmed his commitment to St James’ Park this week.England Under-21s manager Lee Carsley, as well as former Chelsea managers Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino, is also in the frame.  Harry Redknapp: Lampard or Gerrard should be next England managerI’VE a message for all those who reckon the search for England’s next manager is a two-horse race — you’re bang on!And while we’re at it, here’s another… I bet very few of you have narrowed it down to the same couple of candidates as me.If the odds are spot-on, finding Gareth Southgate’s replacement is a toss-up between Eddie Howe and Graham Potter.Well in my book it’s a straight head-to-head, too. But I’m even more convinced that the men I see as obvious front-runners will be lucky to even get an interview.I doubt there are many who’d agree with me either, when I say the FA should look no further than Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard for the next Three Lions boss.Either of them could do the job standing on their head, yet probably neither will get so much as a phone call.Mind you, plenty of people will insist there’s no reason why they should because they’ve already written off both as failures.Forgetting that Frank reached an FA Cup final and finished fourth in his first spell at Chelsea.Or the fact that Everton were in such a mess, he never had a prayer when he went there.There’s every chance they’ll gloss over Stevie’s time at Rangers, despite their first title win in a decade — unbeaten as well — and say he was a flop at Aston Villa.But you show me a manager who’s not had a tough time of it somewhere down the line. Potter certainly did at Chelsea — he only lasted 31 games and lost 11 of them.So did Unai Emery, the man who replaced Stevie as boss at Villa, when he was Arsenal manager. It happens to everyone out there.So what’s the difference between Potter and Frank?Why is one an obvious candidate for England, yet the other not even worthy of a mention?Nothing against Eddie or Graham, by the way. Eddie’s doing well enough at Newcastle without absolutely tearing it up.And Potter did a good job at Brighton before Chelsea but he had good recruitment and was working with good players.Look at some of the names he had and where they ended up.Alexis Mac Allister won the World Cup and went to Liverpool. Leandro Trossard is at Arsenal, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo joined Chelsea, Yves Bissouma is with Tottenham.There’s no doubt Potter or Howe would be a safe pair of hands. A steady Eddie. Just like Gareth was eight years ago — which is why they will probably get a chance.But if the FA want someone steeped in football knowledge — at international level too — and who knows the game inside out at that level, both Frank and Stevie leave them standing.The players would love it as well. They’d be desperate to play for them.They would have nothing but respect whether it was Lampard or Gerrard as boss.So, are they both on the scrapheap for good because they’ve had a failure somewhere down the line? There won’t be any managers left before long if that’s all it takes.And here’s another thing as well. While you need a thick skin to be a club manager, it’s not a patch on the one demanded at international level.That goes for players — certainly the senior ones — as well. And Stevie and Frank could tell you all about that better than most.Some of the stuff Frank had to put up with back in the day was horrendous, horrible stuff.It was the same for Gerro, especially when he was captain.But the pair of them stood up and came through it. And that’s the sort of character you want and need as England manager.It’s not about being a fantastic coach. When do you really get the chance to prove that with England? You don’t.You’re not out there every day doing shape, shadow play and the like. For one thing you tend to pick the team at the last minute because you don’t want it leaking out!It’s about managing, not coaching and there is a difference. It’s about picking the best players in the right positions.It’s about attacking and being positive — and in my book, nothing would be more positive than giving Stevie or Frank a call.But I’d be very surprised if anyone at the FA even picks up the phone and dials their numbers. More

I’VE a message for all those who reckon the search for England’s next manager is a two-horse race — you’re bang on!And while we’re at it, here’s another… I bet very few of you have narrowed it down to the same couple of candidates as me.The FA are searching for Gareth Southgate’s replacement as England managerCredit: AlamyHarry Redknapp believes Frank Lampar] and Steven Gerrard should be consideredCredit: GettyThe pair have had mixed success since becoming managersCredit: PAIf the odds are spot-on, finding Gareth Southgate’s replacement is a toss-up between Eddie Howe and Graham Potter.Well in my book it’s a straight head-to-head, too. But I’m even more convinced that the men I see as obvious front-runners will be lucky to even get an interview.I doubt there are many who’d agree with me either, when I say the FA should look no further than Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard for the next Three Lions boss.Either of them could do the job standing on their head, yet probably neither will get so much as a phone call.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMind you, plenty of people will insist there’s no reason why they should because they’ve already written off both as failures.Forgetting that Frank reached an FA Cup final and finished fourth in his first spell at Chelsea.Or the fact that Everton were in such a mess, he never had a prayer when he went there.There’s every chance they’ll gloss over Stevie’s time at Rangers, despite their first title win in a decade — unbeaten as well — and say he was a flop at Aston Villa.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut you show me a manager who’s not had a tough time of it somewhere down the line. Potter certainly did at Chelsea — he only lasted 31 games and lost 11 of them.So did Unai Emery, the man who replaced Stevie as boss at Villa, when he was Arsenal manager. It happens to everyone out there.’Get him in’ – England fans reveal who they would like to replace Gareth Southgate after Euro defeatSouthgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. So what’s the difference between Potter and Frank?Why is one an obvious candidate for England, yet the other not even worthy of a mention?Nothing against Eddie or Graham, by the way. Eddie’s doing well enough at Newcastle without absolutely tearing it up.And Potter did a good job at Brighton before Chelsea but he had good recruitment and was working with good players.Look at some of the names he had and where they ended up.Alexis Mac Allister won the World Cup and went to Liverpool. Leandro Trossard is at Arsenal, Marc Cucurella and Moises Caicedo joined Chelsea, Yves Bissouma is with Tottenham.There’s no doubt Potter or Howe would be a safe pair of hands. A steady Eddie. Just like Gareth was eight years ago — which is why they will probably get a chance.But if the FA want someone steeped in football knowledge — at international level too — and who knows the game inside out at that level, both Frank and Stevie leave them standing.The players would love it as well. They’d be desperate to play for them.They would have nothing but respect whether it was Lampard or Gerrard as boss.So, are they both on the scrapheap for good because they’ve had a  failure somewhere down the line? There won’t be any managers left before long if that’s all it takes.And here’s another thing as well. While you need a thick skin to be a club manager, it’s not a patch on the one demanded at international level.That goes for players — certainly the senior ones — as well. And Stevie and Frank could tell you all about that better than most.Some of the stuff Frank had to put up with back in the day was horrendous, horrible stuff.It was the same for Gerro, especially when he was captain.But the pair of them stood up and came through it. And that’s the sort of character you want and need as England manager.It’s not about being a fantastic coach. When do you really get the chance to prove that with England? You don’t.You’re not out there every day doing shape, shadow play and the like. For one thing you tend to pick the team at the last minute because you don’t want it leaking out!It’s about managing, not coaching and there is a difference. It’s about picking the best players in the right positions.It’s about attacking and being positive — and in my book, nothing would be more positive than giving Stevie or Frank a call.But I’d be very surprised if anyone at the FA even picks up the phone and dials their numbers.Southgate successor must be rightBy Phil ThomasAndrew Bailey is the governor of the Bank of EnglandCredit: ReutersIN the week when a high-profile resignation letter has been headline news, picture this scenario for a second.After four years as governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey decides he has had enough and walks away.As one of the highest-profile positions in Britain, finding the perfect replacement is imperative.It is an appointment that will have far-reaching effects on the entire nation, so there is no margin for error. Quite simply it MUST be the right person.So, as the door to the boardroom swings open, in come the two men who will have the final say on picking the ideal candidate… Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.The pair of them in full kit, still muddied and sweating from the training ground, plonking themselves down ready to grill the waiting queue of applicants.See what I mean about an imaginary scenario?Because of course it could never happen in real life.Specialist appointments can only be made by those qualified to pass judgement.Southgate’s England recordHere is a look at Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager.Overall recordGames: 102Wins: 61Draws: 24Losses: 17Goals scored: 213Goals conceded: 72It would be ludicrous, clearly.Kane and Bellingham may be gifted footballers with stardust in their boots but bring little to this particular party.It would demand someone from a financial background.Someone qualified for the job. Anything else would be folly, totally laughable.Couldn’t happen. Any more than if, for example, you were looking to fill the highest profile sporting role in football, if that suddenly became vacant.You wouldn’t turn to men whose expertise was, say, in the commercial or marketing sectors.You’d want someone steeped in football knowledge.Only when push comes to shove, it doesn’t actually work like that after all. That became evident the moment Gareth Southgate’s “I quit” letter landed on the FA’s doormat.The second when we discovered the men who are charged with making the most important domestic football appointment in eight years.Chief executive Mark Bullingham   and   technical   director John McDermott are the kingmakers within the FA who will make the call.So come on then.How many out there would be able to pick them out of a line-up?How many out there could tell you the first thing about them?Would you, for example, need Google to tell you McDermott joined the FA in 2020, after 15 years as Tottenham’s head of academy coaching and player development?Would you know without the internet’s help that Bullingham is the former director of marketing at the America’s Cup, who arrived initially as the new commercial chief?Would you recognise either if they walked past you in the street?Most probably you wouldn’t have a clue even if they were wearing name tags.Both of them on big fees, talking about the system and the process and the DNA of understanding English football.Living in their FA bubble, unknown and faceless to the football fans of the nation, and now charged with making a massive decision.Look, picking the national manager has never been an easy task.There has never been a unanimous choice.Admittedly there would have been if Brian Clough had ever got the call, but that was as likely to happen as I was to make it.But at least when the likes of Jimmy Armfield or Trevor Brooking were involved, you’d accept it a little more. Men you first knew as players, as internationals themselves, in Jimmy’s case 15 times as England skipper.Not as people who you could argue are as likely to be swayed by stats and facts from a laptop, rather than hands-on experience and know-how.You might not agree with their decisions, but you certainly never questioned their right and capability to make them.Not like with McDermott and certainly Bullingham, arguably the most awkward-looking man in a tracksuit ever.It doesn’t mean the decision they make will definitely be wrong when they discuss the merits of candidates Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and Lee Carsley.READ MORE SUN STORIESYou wouldn’t admire them any less if they had the b******s to take a gamble and go foreign, not with an obvious Poch-style appointment, but a Marcelo Bielsa or Nestor Lorenzo.But neither would you risk too much on them making the right call in the first place.Southgate can hold head highBy Phil ThomasIF Gareth Southgate deserved anything from the England job, it was the right to go on his terms, when he decided.While the merits or otherwise of his skills as a manager are open to debate, his standing as an all-round good egg are not.Eight years ago he was appointed as a safe pair of hands, with the primary aim of rekindling belief and interest in the Three Lions when both were at an all-time low.In that respect, it is very much job done. In that respect it was job done within a few months.But now he’s fallen on his sword, don’t let’s rewrite history and talk of him as some sort of footballing groundbreaker.He was a decent, not dynamic, manager. In the Euros, he was 90 seconds from a more shameful exit than Roy Hodgson’s against Iceland.Under his command, England couldn’t win an average tournament despite having the most gifted squad, when the draw totally opened up in their favour.Just like the last one, at home. Or against an ageing Croatia in the 2018 World Cup.So yes, praise the man, by all means. But as a coaching connoisseur?Even he would be thoroughly embarrassed at that.England’s job advert for new bossThe FA’s seven requirements to succeed Gareth Southgate:Will hold a Uefa Pro License.Will have significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.Will be an exceptional leader who understands and will enjoy the international football environment.Will be experienced in successfully identifying, managing and developing English qualified players.Will be highly resilient and comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny.Will have a track record of creating a high performing, positive team culture and environment.Will have strong personal values and integrity and understand and embrace the role that the England Men’s Senior Team Head Coach has inspiring the nation. More