June 16th 2024.
Steve Holland has been the assistant manager of the England national team for almost eight years now. Tonight, the Three Lions will begin their campaign for the Euro 2024 against Serbia. Once again, Holland will be seen on the sidelines alongside manager Gareth Southgate, as they aim to lead the team to victory in Germany.
As the team puts the final touches on their preparations, they can rest easy knowing that they have a fully fit squad to choose from in Gelsenkirchen. This is a great relief for England supporters, and it is all thanks to the dedication and hard work of Holland and Southgate.
Holland has been Southgate's right-hand man since the latter took over as caretaker manager in September 2016. In the past eight years, they have traveled together to two World Cups and will now embark on their second European Championships. This summer, they will be striving to bring home a major trophy, which will be Holland's first with the senior team.
Their partnership actually began before their time with the England first team. They had previously worked together at the Under-21 level, with Southgate bringing Holland on board as his assistant when he was the manager in August 2013. When Sam Allardyce was sacked in 2016, they made the step up to the senior team together.
Holland's career in coaching goes back a long way, starting in 1992 when he was just 21 years old. His playing career had not gone as planned, with injuries hampering his progress after being released from Derby County as a teenager. But he quickly found his calling in coaching, working with the Cheshire FA before being brought in by Crewe Alexandra to work with their youth teams in 1992.
He spent 15 years at Crewe, managing their highly successful academy and coaching in the various age groups. He also had a brief stint as the first team manager in 2007-08 before moving on to become the academy director at Stoke City. However, it was his move to Chelsea in 2009 that really elevated his career.
Holland started as the reserve team manager and then became the first team coach in 2011, working under some of the biggest names in the football world such as Andre Villas-Boas, Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Guus Hiddink, Roberto Di Matteo, and Rafael Benitez. During his time at Chelsea, he won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup, Europa League, and League Cup as a coach.
Southgate recognized Holland's talent and brought him on board for England while he was still working with Chelsea. He left the club at the end of the 2016-17 season to focus solely on his role with the Three Lions. Southgate has nothing but praise for Holland, describing him as a great friend and colleague, and someone he trusts entirely.
Their working relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared vision for the team. Southgate values Holland's vast experience and expertise in youth development, which has been invaluable in shaping the current England squad. Together, they have led the team to great success in the past five years, both at the senior and U21 level.
Holland has also received high praise from former Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas, who had the opportunity to work with him at Stamford Bridge. Fabregas credits Holland's meticulous coaching style as a secret weapon for England and believes he is one of the best assistant managers in the game.
Holland's dedication and attention to detail have been crucial in England's success, and Fabregas believes he deserves more recognition for his role in the team's achievements. The assistant manager has also earned the respect and admiration of Southgate, who considers him to be the most successful coach in English football.
As they head into Euro 2024, it could potentially be the last tournament for Southgate and Holland together. But their strong friendship and working relationship will undoubtedly continue beyond their time with the national team. Holland's impact on English football, both at the club and international level, is undeniable, and he is a true ambassador for the game.
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