Sir Geoff Hurst Exclusive - Geoff on Euro 2012

21 November 2011 11:25
Football.co.uk caught up with Sir Geoff Hurst at The McDonald's Coaching Masterclass event at Wembley Stadium, he gave us his exclusive insight on the National Team's chances at Euro 2012, who can fill the void left by Wayne Rooney's suspension and England's future stars.

Football.co.uk: Having been part of the only England side in History to win a major tournament how do you think England will fare at Euro 2012?

Sir Geoff Hurst: Id be disappointed if we don't the reach the semi-finals. We showed only last week that we have the competence to beat good sides like Spain.

I think the large number of quality youngsters coming through the ranks and into the first team is refreshing and is a significant increase on recent years.

Football.co.uk: Of those youngsters hoping to make an impact at the tournament who do you think will be a star of the future?

Sir Geoff Hurst: Phil Jones is potentially the brightest spark. Playing out of position shows his attitude and application to the job. For me he could be a future England captain.

Football.co.uk: What will be the key to potential success?

Sir Geoff Hurst:Well more then anything you need to have a good team relationship and camaraderie in the camp. It was obvious that at the 2010 World Cup morale was lacking as they were away from their families for longer than they were probably used to.

Culturally other national teams are much better adapted to being away from their families.

Football.co.uk: Do you think Fabio Capello stepping down after the tournament is good news for the National Team?

Sir Geoff Hurst: Well their needs to be continuity amongst the squad as too much change is unsettling, from the schoolboy squads to the first team.

Capello has had the time to instil his beliefs into the squad and may have learnt from South Africa, meaning the players will be able to deal with being away from their families better this time around.

Ron Greenwood bought continuity to the england squad when he was in charge.

Under him he appointed Bobby Robson, Terry Venables, Don Howe and Brian Clough underneath him, who all succeeded in the future at club or national level.

Football.co.uk: With Wayne Rooney potentially unavailable for the first three games it leaves a void in the team. Who do you think can fill that gap?

Sir Geoff Hurst: Well anyone of Welbeck, Bent, Sturridge and Zamora have the chance to establish themselves.

Its all about taking your chance when it is handed to you and be prepared for your chances as it will come.

Read Sir Geoff Hurst's views on Grassroots Football, West Ham & 1966 and Bobby Moore

Sir Geoff Hurst was speaking at the McDonald’s Coaching Masterclass at Wembley, where a number of grassroots coaches and their teams were given the once in a lifetime opportunity to be coached by legends of the game after winning one of 500 x £100 vouchers encouraging parents to gain coaching qualifications. To date, McDonald’s has helped train over 20,000 qualified coaches and will create 10,000 more by 2014. For more information on the McDonald’s Football Programme and how you can help young footballers shine, visit www.thefa.com/yourgame.

Source: DSG