Englands problem at that level may be the fact that alot of the players think that playing for the U-21's is beneath them, particularly if alot of them are on the fringes of first team club football or full England squad. U-21's is like the side order rather than the main dish.
I certainly think so mate. Some of them, quite a few in the current squad, are already on massive PL contracts, and then it’s for the manager to inspire them and to keep them on a level expected. For me, how can Boothroyd do that? How are they gonna look up to a player that they are already exceeding? I like the suggestions of a Lampard or a Howe. Names the young lads will know, and respect. Many of the attacking lads will have grown up watching and obsessing over Lampard for example. We really do have the talent right now, we mustn’t waste it.
Lampard and Howe would be making a huge step back managing the U-21's. A one which, if they fail, will be devastating to the managerial careers. If they succeed, then its 'just the U-21's' and I think their successful stint will still hinder their progress towards top level management. Thats why the U-21's are stuck with managers like Boothroyd. 2nd rate managers where managing the U-21's is a step up or a side step, career and financially, from their football league level.
I don’t know mate, can I present to you England manager Gareth Southgate, promoted from u21 manager. Its potentially a gateway to managing the national team, that’s clearly the way the FA want to go with it. You do that job, so you are able to get the fluidity in the side, the talents there, can you mould it? I think it’s a fantastic job for someone with ambitions to manage England.
Southgate only got the job because Allardyce got his hand caught in the cookie jar. Southgate was seen as temporary, but did ok, so got the job, it was a pleasant surprise. He hadnt managed for a few years before he became u-21's manager, so his stock wasnt exactly high. I agree though, managing the U-21's then managing the national team does have its advantages, but cant help feeling it all happened by accident, rather than planning, as far as Southgate is concerned.
I think to a degree the timing was accidental, but there was already a plan in there to make a uniform setup from youth to senior, similar to the Belgian model that has been so successful. Allardyce was never an appointment the FA wanted to make, they felt Southgate wasn’t ready, then their hand was forced. The integration of u21 players under Southgate has been excellent, fluid. Knowing the players inside out before they hit the top tier is a massive benefit.
