World Cup 2018: Gareth Southgate began his path by putting aside ego to mentor Golden Generation, reveals Emile Heskey
Heskey reveals how Southgate took time out on Three Lions duty to mentor rookies
GARETH SOUTHGATE began his path to England management 19 years ago – putting aside his ego to mentor the Golden Generation.
Emile Heskey, the former Leicester and Liverpool forward, broke into the international side in 1999 aged 21 years old.
Heskey, a much-maligned figure, went on to become a member of the star-studded Three Lions squads at the turn of this century which duly underachieved at World Cups and Euro championships.
However, the 40-year-old admits when he started playing under Kevin Keegan and Sven-Goran Eriksson it was teammate Southgate who regularly took time out to mentor the rookies.
And Heskey reckons the former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender had the making of becoming a successful manager even when he was in his mid-20s.
Heskey revealed: “Southgate was very good for the young players.
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“He was always there as a shoulder (to lean on), always giving advice.
“As young players you are – especially in the era we grew up in – told to shut up and stay in the background.
“It was the era where you are seen but not heard.
“But him, and Martin Keown, too, were brilliant. They allowed you to be yourself.
“If you ever needed advice or anything like that, they were the first people you spoke to.
“You always need, especially as a young player, someone you can talk to – and he was one of those players.”
Southgate won 57 caps for his country, making his England debut in 1995 and playing until just before the start of Euro 2004.
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The patriotic 47-year-old signed a four-year contract to become England boss last November when he replaced Sam Allardyce.
The FA’s idea plan is for Southgate, given his background at Under-21 level, to nurture the young squad on the road to Euro 2020 and then the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Unless England lose today to Panama, ranked 55th in the world, then Southgate will keep his job beyond this summer and continue to oversee the squad’s development.
Heskey says it’s imperative Southgate is given time – but admits he will be ultimately defined by glory.
Heskey, speaking at the launch of the William Hill Arms Pub, said: “It would be nice if he stays on for the long term. But we all know it is all about the results.
“Everything – businesses – it is results driven.
“Therefore, it would be nice if someone was given a chance to actually grow, especially when you are talking about younger kids who are 22, 23. So that in four years’ time they are a bit more mature and as a unit they are a bit more solid.
“But do we give people that chance? I believe we should, but they don’t really get that opportunity.
“Southgate has taken that step, having young lads in now and keeping them in the squad and producing a squad that’s solid enough to go and play in a tournament.
“Obviously success is winning, isn’t it? But what would be a good tournament?
“We always say semi-finals, quarters, but you want to see good football.
“I think that will be success. If you see good football, fluent football, players playing with no fear, that is success – because generally we haven’t seen that.”
- Emile Heskey was speaking at the William Hill Arms, the pub which will offers fans the ultimate England watching experience. has over 200 markets available on every World Cup match #ThisIsMore