‘LIONS BOSS IS SPECIAL’

GARETH SOUTHGATE can be England’s Special One, says Steve Holland.

The Three Lions No.2 claims that Southgate has similar qualities to Jose Mourinho (left) and is up there with the best managers he has worked with.

Ex-Chelsea coach Holland worked under Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte and Rafa Benitez at the Blues and believes Southgate can deliver success as England boss. He said: “Gareth ticks so many of the boxes that the best I have worked with tick. There is an obvious difference and I say that without being disrespectful towards Gareth.

“Mourinho has won titles in four or five different countries, and Gareth hasn’t. His pathway has been different.

“But does Gareth understand manmanagement and getting the best out of players? Yes. At the moment we’re in a good place. That’s all down to Gareth.”