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Louis the Lion

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs backs old boss Louis van Gaal to take charge of England alongside Gareth Southgate

Three Lions on the hunt for a new boss after dismal Euro 2016 exit and Giggs reckons Dutchman would be perfect fit

RYAN GIGGS has backed Louis van Gaal to take charge of England alongside Gareth Southgate.

The Three Lions are on the prowl for a new boss following their dismal Euro 2016 defeat at the hands of Iceland.

Ryan Giggs believes England should appoint Louis van Gaal alongside Gareth Southgate
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Ryan Giggs believes England should appoint Louis van Gaal alongside Gareth SouthgateCredit: Reuters
Giggs reckons Southgate is the right man to lead England but needs the pressure to be eased
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Giggs reckons Southgate is the right man to lead England but needs the pressure to be easedCredit: PA:Press Association
Southgate has told the FA he does not want to replace Roy Hodgson
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Southgate has told the FA he does not want to replace Roy HodgsonCredit: Getty Images

Roy Hodgson resigned immediately after the game, and Southgate was made the bookies’ favourite to take charge.

However, the current Under-21s manager has told the FA he is not interested in the role, meaning the pressure is on chief executive Martin Glenn ahead of the first World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in September.

But Manchester United icon Giggs believes England should still pursue Southgate as their first-choice target, although he reckons the FA should also bring in former Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal or even Sir Alex Ferguson to guide Southgate through the potentially hazardous role.

Giggs told ITV: “In 2014 they had a vision – they appointed Dan Ashworth – of appointing within. I think they should stick with that. They’ve got a vision, they’ve got somewhere to go.

Hodgson resigned immediately after England's Euro 2016 exit
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Hodgson resigned immediately after England's Euro 2016 exitCredit: PA:Press Association
Giggs believes Van Gaal has the right experience to benefit England
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Giggs believes Van Gaal has the right experience to benefit EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association
England need to appoint a new manager before their World Cup qualifiers in September
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England need to appoint a new manager before their World Cup qualifiers in SeptemberCredit: Getty Images

“Who’s the next in line? Gareth Southgate. Now, maybe you have to tweak it a little bit because it’s a bit premature.

“Maybe bring in someone who can help him along for the next couple of years. He’s the coach, he’s the man in charge, but bring in someone who’s had experience at tournaments and the Premier League. There are many names.

“Hoddle, Venables, Sir Alex Ferguson, Louis van Gaal, think outside the box. [Southgate’s] the main man but have someone above to take the pressure off.”

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