FORMER England international Wayne Bridge has backed Glenn Hoddle for a sensational return to international management.
Hoddle, 66, took charge of the Three Lions from 1996 to 1999 and managed the likes of David Beckham, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Owen and Alan Shearer.
He recorded 17 wins, four draws and seven defeats with England but was eventually sacked and replaced by Kevin Keegan.
Despite his dismissal, Hoddle received high praise from those that played under him.
Ferdinand hailed him as "by far the best England manager," while Shearer has claimed he is "one of the greats".
And although Hoddle has been out of management for 18 years, Bridge - who played under his guidance at Southampton - believes he could still do a great job leading England.
The former Three Lions star, who has teamed up with Betfred ahead of Euro 2024, exclusively told SunSport: "I’ve said it before and it’s Glenn Hoddle, just because I love him as a manager.
"He’s unbelievable, he was ahead of his time. Tactically really good. On the mental side, he was miles ahead of the game and in terms of how players prepare mentally."
Bridge then went on to reveal that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe would be another one of his top picks, adding: "Obviously if we’re going for someone more current I’d like to keep it English so I’d probably go with Howe."
He also picked Premier League icon Harry Redknapp as an option - albeit for entertainment purposes.
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The ex-Chelsea star continued: "As a wildcard I’d probably chuck in Harry Redknapp just because I love him and I’d love to see what he would do!"
The Three Lions are currently managed by Southgate, but reports have suggested the 53-year-old could step down after Euro 2024.
GARETH SOUTHGATE has made a habit of taking ruthless calls during his eight years as England boss, writes Dave Kidd.
And his decision to axe Jack Grealish, as well as James Maddison, is further evidence of the Three Lions chief being unafraid to take big decisions with big-name players.
Harry Maguire is also among the seven players left out for the squad to travel to Germany for the Euros, although the decision to omit the Manchester United centre-back is based on his failure to recover from injury.
Southgate is, more than ever, picking on form.
Attacking midfielders such as Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon have been rewarded with call-ups for their excellent Premier League form, while Marcus Rashford, Maddison and Grealish all get the chop.
While the England boss is often regarded as an over-cautious nice guy, he took big decisions in getting rid of the likes of Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Chris Smalling at the start of his reign.
Southgate also jettisoned Raheem Sterling last year after the Chelsea man had been a regular starter throughout most of his reign.
And Jordan Henderson was left out of the 33-man preliminary squad having been a stalwart for Southgate throughout his previous three tournaments.
Grealish has been a cause celebre for England fans - who have often accused Southgate of holding an agenda against him.
But he has struggled for game-time with Manchester City all season, just as Maddison has been off-form since returning from injury at Spurs.
This is a bold changing of the guard from Southgate, who has relied heavily on Maguire, Henderson, Sterling and Rashford throughout his time in charge, while Grealish and Maddison are both popular flair players who fully expected to make the 26-man party for Germany.
Burnley keeper James Trafford, the Liverpool duo of Curtis Jones and Jarrell Quansah and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite make up Southgate's seven-man cull along with Grealish, Maddison and Maguire.
Bridge admits he would like to see him stay at the helm if England go all the way and lift the trophy.
He concluded: "If he wins it I’d like to see him stay. Stepping down, it’s never easy for anyone.
"You’re never going to please everyone. I think he takes criticism really well, believes in his own ways which is a good thing because otherwise you get swayed by people you don’t want to get swayed by, so I just think he’s got to go about his business."
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