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Rio Ferdinand: England Women need to create environment for Euros like Fergie and Southgate would

1 year ago
| BY News Team

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has told us that England’s Women’s team will be in a better placed to do well at this summer’s Euros if they look to adopt the methods both Sir Alex Ferguson and Gareth Southgate have used during their time in management.

The 43-year-old, capped 81 times by his country, accepts that outside influences, such as the press, go hand-in-hand with playing for England and those sides that are better equipped to handle these factors are the ones that will excel this summer.

“You need that calmness, You need to be able to deal with the press, it’s important nowadays, more than ever.” Ferdinand said. “I was involved with squads and managers who found the press hard to deal with and made them a big thing, so having them on board is a big play.”

Ferdinand applauded Southgate for his handling of the media so far during his reign and hopes The Three Lionesses will follow suit.

He said: “I think Gareth showed a great example of bringing them [the media] in and embracing them. He knows the power the media can have in swaying many decisions or mindsets, so it’s very important to have them on side.”

The former Manchester United centre-back also went on to discuss his former Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson and the way he managed his players to get the best out of them as a framework that England should look to adopt at the Euros.

He said: “Within the England squad and the dynamic between Sarina Wiegman and her players, you need that steely confidence but also that warmth when needed. With Sir Alex Ferguson, he was so personable with people. He knew my Grandad’s favourite drinks and mad little details like that. It’s that care and attention to detail, not just about the player but about their welfare beyond the pitch as well. Those details are what make you go the extra mile for that person and find that little bit extra out of the tank in times of need.

“It’s no coincidence that our teams scored late goals a lot of the time and those little things that he did definitely contributed to that.”

England manager Sarina Wiegman had some hard decisions to make with her squad for the tournament, including dropping Steph Houghton, and having been left out of the Euro 2012 squad by Roy Hodgson, Ferdinand knows the disappointment that players like Houghton are going through.

He said: “I took it personally when I didn’t get in the Euros squad. You want the players to go and win it but personally of course you’re disappointed. You can’t just shut down, though, you need to accept the decision and get prepared for next season. That’s how those players need to be.”

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