EL TEL & EURO 96:WHEN ENGLANDWERE AHEAD OFTHE CURVE
FFT’s analytical ace pays tribute to our first cover star in 1994, the late, great Terry Venables, by explaining how the England gaffer’s ingenious methods made for a summer to remember
Words Adam Clery
TACTICS
For more than 20 years, the summer of ’96 was as good as it got for England. Not purely in terms of a tournament finish – Sir Bobby Robson had inspired a semi-final appearance just six years prior – but for how supporting your country is supposed to feel. Here was a team, lampooned by the press leading up to the finals and facing selection questions all across the pitch, delivering some of the most memorable results in the nation’s history.
With Baddiel and Skinner’s quasi-national Three Lionsstill soundtracking the dizzying highs of England’s new era of consistent major tournament progress, it’s often forgotten that it was originally released when expectations were at their lowest: ranked 17th in Europe, absent from USA 94, and that infamous trip to Hong Kong seeing the squad splashed across front pages and branded a disgrace. Under most managers, it would have equalled a recipe for disaster.
But England didn’t have ‘most managers’ – they had Terry Venables. A manager who was about to have the Three Lions playing football a decade ahead of its time…
01THE BUILD-UP
One of the English media’s favoured sticks with which they beat Venables in 1995 was his use of the Christmas tree formation. Ostensibly a 4-3-2-1, its lack of line-hugging wingers and two centre-forwards was seen as negative, continental claptrap by the press pack and sections of the public.
However, it hinted that Venables recognised what this England side could and couldn’t do. Primarily there was a real depth of talent in centre-midfield, with David Platt, plus Pauls Ince and Gascoigne excelling in various roles there. Gareth Southgate, one of a ‘new breed’ of ball-playing centre-backs, was comfortable stepping forward and Teddy Sheringham was equally dangerous dropping deep.
Likewise, the wide players weren’t wingers in the traditional sense. Steve McManaman and Jamie Redknapp had started that May’s FA Cup final for Liverpool in central midfield, while Darren Anderton – easily the country’s best crosser pre-David Beckham era – would stray inside at Spurs. The 4-3-2-1 was never used at Euro 96, though it was the seed from which Venables’ tactical tree would flourish.
02ENGLAND 4-1 NETHERLANDS
One of England’s greatest vi
