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Wilkins tips Hoddle to replace Capello

Harry Harris
October 9, 2011
Glenn Hoddle created an attacking England side during his reign as manager © Getty Images
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Former England captain Ray Wilkins has added his voice to the debate over who should succeed Fabio Capello, claiming that the next national coach should be English and urging the FA not to forget about Glenn Hoddle.

Earlier this week Jamie Carragher maintained that the FA was 'cheating' by appointing a foreign coach and Wilkins is keen to see an Englishman take charge next. He also raised the name of Hoddle again, despite the fact that the FA has Roy Hodgson and Harry Redknapp as their preferred 'unofficial' leading contenders, combined with the fact nobody has ever returned for a second spell as England manager.

Wilkins told talkSPORT: "I don't suppose [Harry Redknapp] is the only candidate. One that would come off my tongue is Glenn Hoddle. He did a wonderful job before and he's far more experienced now so it would be interesting.

"I would love to see an English manager [in charge of England]. I think we've got some guys out there that can do the job. I think they understand the mentality of the English footballer.

"[Sir Bobby Robson] understood who we were and what we were about and the reason that you don't win the World Cup is not because the majority of the time the manager isn't good enough. It could be that we weren't good enough as players.

"We have to assess the opposition we're playing against as well. We have no divine right to win anything with any manager."

ESPNsoccernet understands that England is the one and only management role Hoddle would consider, having rejected 25 top managerial offers since starting up his own soccer academy, which has now moved from Spain to Bisham Abbey.

Hoddle was sacked as England coach in 1999 for issues unrelated to results and still retains one of the best records as England coach.

The FA has informed ESPNsoccernet that it does not intend to undermine Capello's build-up to the European Championship finals next summer by having a parade of candidates; however, it may not be possible to avoid the speculation over the new manager before the team flies out to Ukraine and Poland.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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