Future is bright for the Oranje says Ryan
FULHAM winger Ryan Babel claims Holland’s dramatic revival is based on Gareth Southgate’s England.
The Dutch – once inspired by Johan Cryuff to give us ‘total football’ – were on their knees following their failure to make the World Cup finals last summer.
Ronald Koeman was brought in to restore the ‘Oranje’ gloss. And it seems he decided England’s blend of youth and experience was the right way to go.
“I believe we are doing things right by doings things similar to England. We all had to change – it is paying off,” said Babel.
Holland’s European Championship qualifying victory over Belarus on Thursday stretched their run to seven wins from the last nine at home.
It sets things up nicely for their game with Germany today in a group which also contains Northern Ireland.
Babel, who could have joined Spurs or West Ham before his move to Liverpool in 2007, is relishing the chance to meet England in the new Nations League semi-final this summer.
The Fulham ace, 32 (below) said: “I thought England played well when I was here last time – they were definitely unlucky on a number of times.
“But now in my opinion they play an entirely different game than they did then and it will benefit them.
“I am still ambitious for Holland.
“I am the oldest player now in the squad. The current head coach gave me confidence and I repaid him.
Right now, he has a lot of confidence in me and hopefully I can make it until the next big tournament.
“Like England, we have a good, promising squad.
“I definitely think the future is bright for both of us.
“Johan Cruyff did a wonderful job for my country, his philosophy wasn’t so crazy, but maybe the rest of the world caught up and we needed to change.” Star Belgrade defender switched his international allegiance to neighbouring Montenegro three years ago, they remain the firmest of friends.
Ahead of his country’s home clash against Gareth Southgate’s England tomorrow night, Stojkovic spoke of his burning ambition to play in the Premier League. The ex-1860 Munich right-back, 26, said: “Yes, my dream is to come to the Premier League.
“Of course, I’d love to play there, especially as my best friend – and best man at my wedding – is already living and playing in England. To be in the same league or team as Aleksandar would be perfect.”
A decent individual display against the Three Lions this week would certainly do him no harm.
Stojkovic served notice of his talent earlier this season when part of the Red Star outfit which stunned Liverpool in the Champions League, winning 2-0 in Belgrade.
Proof – if needed – that trips to the Balkans are never straightforward, whether at club or international level.
Stojkovic is a huge admirer of Southgate’s troops – and believes the bookies are fully justified installing them as favourites to win Group A.
However, as much as he feels they will take top spot in the race for Euro 2020, he warns it might be a bumpy ride along
Lions aim to bag a victory in Montenegro for the first time at the third attempt.
As Fabio Capello and Roy Hodgson’s England teams discovered in 2011 and 2013, respectively, Montenegro are far from hospitable hosts. On each occasion, they sneaked a draw.
Stojkovic, with 14 caps, added: “England are everybody’s favourites in the group. They have a great team and great players coming through. But it won’t be easy for them.
“It is a very tight group. And we think we can finish second. That means every game and point is important.
“I remember those two England games here. We hope tomorrow can be the same result for us – and our fans come in numbers and make it a big atmosphere.”
England have enjoyed near perfect qualifying campaigns since missing out on Euro 2008 under Steve McClaren.
A failure to have any impact at major tournaments – until last summer – meant England were not taken seriously on the world stage.
But in spite of having a relatively simple route to the World Cup semi-final in July, Stojkovic says Southgate’s side are the real deal.
“England were one of the best four sides in Russia,” he said.
“It’s right they are now ranked as one of the top sides by FIFA. But we also think we’re better than 46th – and want to prove it in the qualifiers.”