Managing England
An already dramatic career took an even more dramatic turn as Venables became England manager in 1994. Almost instantly after taking the role, he came under intense scrutiny in the media for his business dealings, leading to MPS in Parliament stating that Venables was unfit for the job.
Having qualified automatically for Euro 96, Venables led the host nation to a memorable campaign filled with moments forever remembered by England fans.
Whether it be Gascoigne’s volley against Scotland, Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham’s doubles in the 4-1 demolition of the Netherlands, or Stuart Pearce’s penalty war cry against Spain, the moments leading up to the semi-final captured the country’s imagination.
However, the semi-final penalties defeat against Germany broke English hearts, with Southgate’s missed penalty and the picture of the then-england manager Venables consoling the now-england manager particularly poignant.
The England baton was passed on to Glenn Hoddle after Euro 96, with Venables going on to have spells with the Australian national team, a Crystal Palace return and joint-management of Middlesbrough with Bryan Robson, closing out club management with Leeds United.
Nobody could deny his charisma, attention to detail with man management and ahead-of-the-curve tactical brain.
The greatest compliment paid to Venables in terms of tributes was the amount of ex-players and managers who praised how he was as a person.
It’s one thing to have numerous accolades to your name as a player or manager, but another to do it all as a good person. A figure sorely missed in the English game, the legacy of Venables will live forever.