Former England star Ray Parlour believes it is ‘too late’ for Harry Redknapp to be given the job of replacing Gareth Southgate.
Southgate opted to quit his role as manager of the Three Lions following their failure to win Euro 2024.
England made the final of the competition, overcoming the likes of Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland and the Netherlands in the process.
But they lost 2-1 to Spain on July 14 following goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal.
England next manager: Gareth Southgate quit his role as boss earlier this month
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Parlour, speaking exclusively to GB News via NetBet Online Casino, feels England need a ‘bit of character’ from whoever takes charge next.
But the former Arsenal star, who made 10 appearances for his country during his own playing days, thinks it’s too late for 77-year-old Redknapp to take charge.
“It’s a difficult one as you want the manager to have a bit of character about them as you don’t see the players every week,” he said.
“Harry would have been great back in the day to be England manager, but it’s too late for him.
“I think Eddie Howe will find it hard to turn down if England ask him.
“If there isn’t a strong enough English candidate, then you may have to look for a foreign coach.
“But the expectation now becomes really big because reaching two Euro finals means the next step is to win the trophy.”
Southgate undeniably did well during his spell as England manager.
He inherited a team in crisis after the Three Lions lost 2-1 to Italy at Euro 2016.
And Parlour believes the 53-year-old believes credit for everything he achieved.
The former Premier League star added: “I think it was the right time for him to leave. He has done a great job for England.
“You look at the two Euro finals [in 2021 and 2024] and one World Cup semi-final [in 2018] and compared to others in the past 20 to 30 years, Southgate’s achievements have been excellent.
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England next manager: Ray Parlour thinks it is ‘too late’ for Harry Redknapp to take charge
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“Shame they couldn’t get over the line in one of the two finals, it’s the finest of margins sometimes.
“To lose against Italy on penalties will probably hurt more, and then Spain were just too good in the end, but many great memories along the way for Southgate and the players.”
Southgate was widely criticised by pundits Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards – despite England making the final of Euro 2024.
Parlour, when asked about outspoken pundits, added: “I was going to say some of the critics and pundits were too harsh.
England next manager: Ray Parlour believes pundits were too harsh on Gareth Southgate during Euro 2024
PA
“You look at his record and it’s excellent. Two Euro finals is excellent, so close to winning a major trophy.
“You aren’t going to play pretty football all the time and it’s sometimes finding a way to win.
“With so many good players to choose from, it can be hard to fit them all in, but the substitutions did work with Cole Palmer playing a big part and also Ollie Watkins.”