Sir Alex Ferguson: England job is the toughest

Sir Alex Ferguson watches Manchester United’s match against Southampton

Former Manchester United managed Sir Alex Ferguson has labelled the England job a “nightmare” and has expressed support for Roy Hodgson, who has had a shaky start as England boss, The Daily Star reports.

Roy Hodgson, who succeed in leading the Three Lions to the upcoming World Cup, has come under fire for his “monkey” comment in his match briefing.

Sir Alex was quoted as saying: “I don’t think the manager’s job with England is a good one. I think it’s a horrible job.

“For instance, FA chairman Greg Dyke comes out and says they’re going to win the World Cup in 2022. He may know something about football - and I’m sure he’s trying to learn what’s going on – but from grassroots level right up to the national team, that is a massive job.

“Managers have tried different ways of managing the press. Some have tried to curry favour with some and not others. But because England haven’t won the World Cup since 1966, they’re all going up the same alley. Unless you win, it’s a hard job.”

The legendary managed confessed, “What I find quite interesting – and I probably knew this – is that football is a media industry, too. In the past, I probably never bothered about seeing how the press portrayed England for international games.

“I knew the manager’s job was a nightmare. Now, I scan papers more than I did in 20-odd years.

“I was interested in reading all the things about Roy and the recent game in Ukraine, the angles they take. Some are pro, some are against, some are middle-of-the-road.

“Roy’s reaction was interesting. Roy’s a manager of great experience and I was surprised he got annoyed by Gary Lineker, who tweeted that England were awful. Gary always comes across with wee throwaway lines. I was surprised Roy got himself annoyed with that.”

Meanwhile, Hodgson has stated that the post has been “a fantastic opportunity” in proving his credentials as a manager. But he admitted, “I try not to think about what would have happened if we hadn’t qualified.

“When you take on the job, people quickly point out that it is impossible to succeed and that it can only end in tears – and who knows, maybe that’s right.”