One of the best football players in history is Zinedine Zidane. He won everything, including the 1998 Ballon d’Or, World Cups, and Champions Leagues, while most famously playing for Real Madrid and France.
His success as a manager after hanging up his boots in 2006 supports his reputation as a highly clever football player. In light of this, it would be prudent to pay attention when the Frenchman speaks.
But he seems to be disregarded when he gave some advice regarding English football back in 2002.
Three Lions Are Urged to Play McManaman by Zidane
“If England do not pick him, it would be a terrible waste”
After moving from Liverpool to Real Madrid in 1999, Steve McManaman made an immediate impression in his first season, helping Los Blancos defeat Valencia in the Champions League final with a legendary volley.
He would win two La Liga titles, the UEFA Super Cup, the Supercopa de Espana, and another European trophy while he was in the Spanish city. It was clear that the Frenchman had impressed Zidane, and he talked highly of McManaman.
He advised England to focus on his Real Madrid teammate’s strengths rather than just considering him a squad member, as reported by Sky Sports. “I was shocked when McManaman was left out of the last England squad,” Zidane stated in 2002. It was unbelievable to me that they would overlook a player of his calibre.
“Now that David Beckham is injured, people are discussing the possibility that he will get his shot. However, McManaman is much more than merely Beckham’s replacement. In any case, McManaman ought to be in the starting lineup.
McManaman is in the mood to start disproving people, so [Sven-Goran] Eriksson would be wise to pick him now. He could prove to everyone and to Eriksson that he should have been there all along if he was given the opportunity he deserves.
“He has demonstrated throughout the years that he is a top player for Liverpool, England, and Real Madrid, but I don’t think he has ever truly had a chance under Eriksson. It would be a huge waste for McManaman and the team if England did not select him. They will regret not bringing him to the World Cup.
McManaman Snubbed for 2002 World Cup
Never played for England again
In actuality, Sven-Goran Eriksson and England chose not to invite McManaman to the 2002 World Cup. Furthermore, they most likely missed his quality because, despite leading the game, they lost 2-1 to Brazil because they lacked the offensive potency to advance to the quarterfinals.
Steve McManaman Stats for England
Games
37
Objectives
3.
Helps
2.
Make your debut
November 16, 1994: Nigeria 1-0 England (friendly)
The last game
England vs. Greece, October 6–16, 2001 (World Cup qualifier)
In addition to being excluded from the England team for that summer competition, McManaman never again played for the Three Lions as a result of Zidane’s compliments. As a substitute against Greece in his final international match, fellow Galactico David Beckham scored his iconic free kick to guarantee England’s spot in the 2002 World Cup.
In fact, Eriksson texted him on his cell phone to let him know about his rejection. Later, when discussing it with BBC 5 Live, McManaman clarified: “Many of the arguments that are put up are absurd.
“Everyone was pleased when I played in the final qualifying match against Greece. People assume things on their own, but it’s really unclear. I wasn’t upset when it was revealed that I hadn’t been chosen because I had half expected it.”
One of the best British football players to ever play abroad, McManaman’s skills and background might have allowed the Three Lions to do more than they did at the time.
xz
