Scotsman to lead Three Lions

When Fabio Capello leaves the England hot seat next summer, most bets will be on Harry Redknapp as the man capable of drafting in a new era for the national team.

But, despite the obvious appeal of Redknapp, one man seems to have slipped past the attention of many.

Everton manager David Moyes, the staunch Scotsman whose steely eyed look would be enough to strike fear into Vinnie Jones on a rampage, is quietly waiting in the background.

We shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that because of his lack of media appeal he is the wrong choice.

After the media spin generated in the Sven Goran Eriksson period, and the Capello World Cup circus a degree of realism is needed.

The argument that you have to win trophies to be deemed a worthy England manager is simply nonsense. Redknapp has one meaningful piece of silverware from his varied and long career at Bournemouth, West Ham, Portsmouth (twice), Southampton and Tottenham.

The FA Cup that Redknapp holds so dear was undoubtedly a tremendous achievement but when set in context against the records of Eriksson and Capello, it is merely a drop in a very large, Champions League and domestic league filled ocean.

If we look past the honours list, Moyes’ achievements at Everton should be placed amongst those of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

A consistent lack of funds and murmurings from the fans have not swayed his belief that his club, in spite of seeing other clubs change the financial goal posts, can break the monopoly of dominance that has plagued the Premier League for too long.

Indeed, many will recall the 2004/2005 season, when a Wayne Rooney-less Everton finished fourth, one place above great rivals Liverpool.

This should not be underestimated. At the time Chelsea were setting off on their jet set life, Manchester United had signed a Portuguese kid called Ronaldo, not to mention Rooney and Thierry Henry was in his pomp for Arsenal.

However, Moyes was able to muscle his and Everton’s way in. On a budget the size of Chelsea’s heating bill, he constructed a side with an energetic, yet dogged style of play.

There is a case for ranking this higher than Redknapp’s cup winners medal.

So, does nationality really concern Wembley regulars?

To begin with the backlash the FA most likely fear would be palpable. The idea of having a Scotsman in charge of the English national team is probably a too bitter pill for some to swallow.

But, is it really all that different from employing a Swede or Italian?

Fans are naturally fickle and a couple of good early results would soon erase the nationality aspect. They were initially frosty to the idea of any non-Englishman being tasked with ending England’s wretched run at International tournaments but soon thawed.

The enemy north of the border is not Moyes. He could yet be the one to resurrect English fortunes.

Gary Peters

Football Friends bring you the latest football news and opinion from football fans around the world. Football News