How Chelsea training ground visit began something special for England as Euros glory looms

The eight-year reign of Gareth Southgate as England manager culminates on Sunday when he prepares his side for their second consecutive Euro 2024 final. It may well be the final time he takes charge of an England game, and the same could apply for Steve Holland.

Most would view Southgate’s appointment as the key moment in the Three Lions’ history, given their achievements in the World Cup and European Championships. But perhaps it goes even further back than that – to a meeting at Chelsea’s training ground nearly 11 years ago, which formed the foundations of Southgate’s successful international management career to date.

Back in August 2013, Southgate hired Chelsea assistant coach Steve Holland to be his right-hand man when he was in charge of the England Under-21s.

He chose Holland for the role after being “struck by his approach to the coaching session” when they met at the club’s training base in Cobham, Surrey, according to The Times.

Holland’s distinguished CV – working alongside Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti – gave him the experience of working alongside international stars and handling their delicate egos. He also took a different route to most coaches, becoming one of the youngest FA coaches to earn a full coaching qualification at the age of just 22.

With an abundance of experience working in academies, combined with his guiding hand for young players at Chelsea, he would prove to be very useful when Southgate was handed the England job on a full-time basis in 2016.

Southgate’s relaxed management style was perfectly complimented by the no-nonsense, drill sergeant Holland, who isn’t fazed about putting players in their place as the “bad cop”.

Three major tournaments and a Nations League Finals appearance later, Holland remains an integral part of the England setup and Southgate paid a glowing tribute to his sidekick ahead of Sunday’s final in Berlin.

“Firstly, I could not do it without him. He is a fantastic balance for me,” Southgate told reporters in a news conference. “His strengths eat up my weaknesses. He is so meticulous in his preparation.

“We have grown so close. The trust between us is immense and I could not have anybody better alongside me. He has won the Champions League, he has won the Premier League, everything.

“He is a proud Englishman like me and there is one medal missing. We have brilliant staff right across the board but clearly our relationship is really, really strong.”

The 54-year-old is viewed as being just as important as Southgate or his players. Without Holland, the balance and harmony that has existed in the squad since Southgate took over from Sam Allardyce could have swayed in the other direction at times.

It is claimed that Holland also had a major influence on Southgate’s decision to remain in the post after their World Cup quarter-final exit in 2022. Now England are back on top, with a chance to make history and reflect their tireless efforts over the past eight years, that meeting over a decade ago could make all the difference.