Special Relationship? Hell no. USMNT assistant Anthony Hudson, son of ex-Chelsea legend Alan, is out to tame the Three Lions – and avenge their sins against his father
Words Richard Edwards
Despite being regarded as one of the best English midfielders of his generation, Alan Hudson never went to a World Cup. His son, Anthony, will get to live the dream, but the 41-year-old won’t be with the Three Lions in Qatar – he’ll be trying to beat them.
When England face the USA in their second group game, Hudson Jr will be in the opposition dugout as assistant manager to States boss Gregg Berhalter. The game takes place on Thanksgiving weekend, only adding to the anticipation across the pond. “It’s going to be huge,” the USMNT No.2 tells FFT. “The viewing figures will be off the charts.”
But how did the son of an England international end up facing them at the World Cup? His American links owe much to the career path of his dad, Alan, who starred for Chelsea, Stoke and Arsenal, and made his England bow in 1975. “I’ve watched footage of my dad making his debut against West Germany, and he was unbelievable,” says his proud son. “It was probably one of the best first caps anyone has had for their country.”
It was a delayed debut. Alan had previously been banned from the national team for three years, having opted not to accept an under-23s call-up because of an injury. He featured against Cyprus a month after his senior debut, but differences with Don Revie meant he never represented the Three Lions again. Without the playmaker, England failed to qualify for the 1974 and 1978 World Cups.
Little surprise, then, if the Hudsons back Anthony rather than England in Qatar. Alan once wrote to the FA, asking them to delete his playing records for the national team. “After his debut, he only played one more game,” explains Anthony. “That’s probably why they’ll be hoping the USA can get one over on England. I had a feeling when the draw was made – I just thought it was meant to be. When those names came out, the family were immediately on the phone.”
Hudson Jr was born in the USA during his dad’s spell with Seattle Sounders. The family returned to England and Anthony graduated from West Ham’s academy, but struggled to establish himself at senior level. He crossed the Atlantic again to play for Wilmington Hammerheads in North C
