Even though Sven and I are history, I have been wondering this week how he feels about the epic clash between his two former proteges. He had played for Sven at his previous club, Sampdoria, and Sven took him with him to Lazio. Sven and Mancio got on so well that when he retired as a player, my now ex-partner made him his No 2 on the coaching staff. England are playing at home for a start. At Wembley β the same hallowed venue where, 55 years ago, another plucky England side triumphed.
Plus, you are hungrier for success. He had such a strong bond with Mancini and a very good relationship with Southgate that I would even go so far to suggest that their success as managers is partly down to him. We would have the occasional dinner with Mancini, and I remember him as very reserved but decisive, determined, even stubborn. Even as a player, he behaved like a manager. While that element of control freakery made Mancini perfect managerial material, he also benefited from working with a coach of the stature of Sven.
Mancini has said that Sven was the best manager he ever had. Southgate shares similarities with both Sven β that laidback approach β and Mancini in his enormous self-control. He is courteous, polite, a gentleman. Indeed, his behaviour on the touchline at this tournament has reminded me of Sven.
He has that same air of elegance. And he has the respect of the players because he has his ego under control. You would never see him effing and blinding or gesticulating like an Italian traffic cop β a clenched jaw and the odd pumping arm is as uncontrolled as it gets for Gareth.
So, yes, it seems to me that Southgate is very similar to Sven in some ways. But the team is very different to the one Sven managed. Despite the relative youth of several members of the squad, they are so much more mature. Euro has brought back so many memories. He brought many forward-thinking changes and innovations to the England camp.
