Teddy Sheringham Exclusive Interview with OLBG

• Harry Kane isn’t undroppable for England
• Three Lions will beat the Netherlands 1-0
• Man Utd need to hijack Liverpool’s move for Anthony Gordon
• Cristiano Ronaldo has the perfect place to see out his career
• Erik ten Hag should snub Matthijs de Ligt for Marc Guehi
• Tottenham would be perfect fit for Ivan Toney

Speaking exclusively to OLBG, Teddy Sheringham has admitted that Harry Kane isn’t undroppable for England as Gareth Southgate’s side look to ‘do a Germany’ and win Euro 2024.

The England hero has tipped the Three Lions to beat the Netherlands and Phil Foden to come good when they need it most this summer, before facing a stern test in Spain.

The former Manchester United forward has also urged Cristiano Ronaldo to call an end to his Portugal career and told the Al-Nassr forward that he is in the perfect place to retire.

In the transfer window, Sheringham has urged Manchester United to hijack Liverpool’s move for Anthony Gordon and sign Marc Guehi - while backing Ivan Toney to join Tottenham.

Q: Is Harry Kane undroppable? 

TS: “I don't think Harry Kane is undroppable, not at all, but I just feel that he's probably realised that Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins are good as well and he's sometimes given his all. 

“If you give your all for 60 minutes or 80 minutes that's good enough. The manager knows what Kane gives the team, it’s not just about being able to score or not. He’s a proper leader.

“He leads by example, game in, game out and you know what you're going to get from him, he's captain. It's as simple as that. 

“But I'm sure that he understands that the manager knows what he's giving the team even though he might sometimes come off.

“You don't want to be subbed off, it's a slight on you, that you get taken off. 

“Everyone wants to play 90 minutes of every game but that's just the way it is. You don't want to come off and you don't want to be the sub going on at times either.

“Even if you go on and change things around, like I did at times, you still don't want to be a sub. You want to be playing from the off.”

Q: How would you sum up the performances of Harry Kane? 

TS: “Harry Kane is still doing a job for the team. He does a lot of things that don't get noticed like centre forwards do, holding the ball up, winning aerial battles, taking people away from their areas. 

“He's doing a hard graft at the moment and not getting any thanks for it the way I see it - he’s still a very valuable part of the team.”

Q: Would you be against leaving Kane on the bench and using him as an impact player?

TS: “Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins are both chomping at the bit but with Kane it’s a little bit like Shearer in Euro 96, you know he's the top man.

“You know he's the top man and given half a chance he'll come good. Watkins and Toney are both untried.

“Kane is the leader, he's not just a centre forward, he's a leader. He leads by example, his attitude is spot on always. 

“If you don't have leaders out there, then your team can crumble. I think they're all pulling together, they're all fighting hard for the right to go through each game. I know it's not pretty, but he's still the leader and I would still keep him out there.”

Q: Should Gareth Southgate start Ezri Konsa or Marc Guehi against the Netherlands?

TS: “Gareth Southgate will go back to Marc Guehi. There isn’t a lot between Guehi and Ezri Konsa but that was his pick from the off and I think he’ll go back to it.”

Q: Where would you rank England against the other semi-finalists?

TS: “The Germans have done this for years, ground their way into the semi-finals and before you know it they’ve won the tournament without playing great at all.

“The French aren't doing great, but they're in the other semi-final. 

“The Dutch and the Spanish have probably played a little bit better than us. But you've got to grind it out sometimes, that's what tournament football is and we're very good at that. 

“People talk about players not caring, look at the way they celebrated when they won on penalties. It's huge for these boys and now they’re in the semi-finals, it could be the best week of their lives.”

Q: What is your prediction for England vs Netherlands?

Football.ua, CC BY-SA 3.0 GFDL, via Wikimedia CommonsTS: “It’s going to be a tight game and it’s a semi-final so you know you’re up against a very good team - but I think England will avoid penalties and nick it by the odd goal.

“I think 1-0 sounds about right but once you’re in the semi-finals I don’t think anyone would care how you win.”

Q: How would you sum up the performances of Cristiano Ronaldo?

TS: “Age catches up with all of us, but when you see Cristiano Ronaldo at 39 hopefully that means England have Harry Kane around for another eight years.

“For Ronaldo, that should be his last major tournament.”

Q: Could Cristiano Ronaldo return to Europe to bring his career to an end?

TS: “No, I don't think so now. I think he's in the perfect league to see out his career.”

Q: Did Portugal make a mistake in playing everything through Cristiano Ronaldo?

TS: “When you've got such a superstar, you're going to naturally rely on the top players.

“Like Argentina do with Messi, everything goes through him. It's the same with Ronaldo, he's a top player, so you expect him to come up with top tricks at the right time. 

“But as I say, age catches up with everyone and I don't think he was at his best this tournament, so maybe he'll have to decide to call it a day.”

Q: Could Gareth Southgate stay on as England manager beyond the summer?

TS: “If England win it, Gareth Southgate is going to want to stay on for the World Cup. Why would he not want to stay on and do that?

“It’s his squad, his team, he’s nurtured them and shown his leadership qualities. People don’t like the way that we’re getting through but we’re into another semi-final and at the moment that’s all that matters.”

Image: Shutterstock/Ivica Drusany

Q: Who would be the tougher final for England, France or Spain?

TS: “In terms of potential opponents for the final, France have been similar to England. They’ve underperformed but again found themselves in the last four and that’s what top teams do. 

“I think games against France or Spain would be very, very difficult for England. We’d have to be at the very top of our game to win and definitely have to step up from where we are.

“The toughest test? Probably Spain.

“For the semi-final, I’d back England. We haven’t seen the best of our big players yet but there have been glimpses. Phil Foden in particular I expect to come good when we need him most.

“I think he's an outstanding player. We haven't seen the best of him yet but top players come up with good moments at the best times.”

Q: Would it be a mistake for Manchester United to sell Marcus Rashford?

TS: “I don't think it would be a mistake for Manchester United to sell Marcus Rashford, as long as you're going to bring someone else in of the quality that he has.

“Manchester United have bought too many bit-part players. They need some leaders in their camp. They need people like Harry Kane and Declan Rice becoming available last summer and they weren't even in for them. That's the type of players that they need. Real quality leadership.”

Q: What have you made of Man Utd’s stance over Erik ten Hag?

Editorial credit: kivnl / Shutterstock.comTS: “If they'd have sacked him you could have understood and now they have kept him you can understand that too. 

“He said ‘if you don't want me I'll go and win trophies elsewhere’ and that kind of shut the press up really didn't it? 

“But on one hand he's won a trophy but on the other hand it's not good enough finishing eighth in the Premier League.”

Q: Will Erik ten Hag’s job be at risk if Man Utd start the season badly?

TS: “Even though he has signed a new contract, there are no guarantees over Erik ten Hag’s job. Anything can happen in football, he could be sacked within two weeks if they had three bad results.

“Then again if he has three good results he could be as strong as ever, that’s football these days.”

Q: How much will Ruud van Nistelrooy add to the coach staff?

Orange Pictures // ShutterstockTS: “Ruud van Nistelrooy will bring invaluable experience to Manchester United thanks to what he has done in the game.

“He was a phenomenal striker, so I'm sure the strikers will like having him around. He can definitely help Rasmus Hojlund reach his potential.

“In terms of Erik ten Hag bringing him in. You can't not have top people around because you're worried about them taking your job. 

“If he's going to enhance his tenure there, then that's why he's bringing him in. I'm sure he's got a good connection with him to do that.”

Q: Should Manchester United try to hijack Liverpool’s move for Anthony Gordon?

TS: “Manchester United need top players at the football club in all positions and if they are already performing in the Premier League then you need to bring these players in.

“Liverpool might well want Anthony Gordon and we know he’s going to be a top player so Manchester United should try and nick him before he goes there.

“You can't keep having average players come into your club. You need top players and I think Anthony Gordon is one of those.”

Q: Should Manchester United try to sign Marc Guehi or Matthijs de Ligt?

TS: “Manchester United should go for Marc Guehi over Matthijs de Ligt. United don’t need big name players they need hard graft and players who will put a shift in week in and week out.

“From what I’ve seen of Guehi, especially this summer, he’d be a great addition at Old Trafford.”

Q: Have Manchester United missed a trick by not signing Joao Palhinha?

TS: “Manchester United have missed a trick in not going in for Joao Palhinha, under Sir Alex Ferguson whenever these top players were available, United were in for them.

“You can't let the top players go to other clubs, that's why you end up chasing other teams in the league and in Europe.”

Q: Could Manchester United convince Gabriel to leave Arsenal if they sign Riccardo Calafiori?

TS: “Manchester United are still one of the top clubs in the world and if you get a chance to go and play for them, not many players would turn them down.

“That is still the situation and I would advise people to think differently if they don’t believe that’s the case.”

Q: Should Tottenham go in for Marcus Rashford?

TS: “I don't think Tottenham would be in for someone like Marcus Rashford. At this stage of his career. I think he would probably look to go abroad. I can’t see him playing somewhere else in England after Manchester United, at the moment.”

Q: Where would you want to go if you were Ivan Toney?

TS: “I'd push for a move to Tottenham if I was Ivan Toney. I think they're crying out for a centre forward to lead the line like he can. 

“I think it would be a perfect fit and I think he's a great player as well. I'd like to see him there under Ange Postecoglou.”

Q: Should Manchester United go in for Ivan Toney?

TS: “Ivan Toney isn’t the right man for Manchester United. They like to play with one up front and they wouldn't have spent £70 million on Rasmus Hojlund if they didn’t think he was the right man.”

Q: What would be your dream signing for Manchester United?

TS: “Manchester United need to sign top players all over the pitch. They haven't got any leaders at the club. They need leaders but they don't come cheap. 

“Top players, leaders on the football pitch, that's why when they do become available, like last summer in Harry Kane and Declan Rice, they should have been in for them.”

Q: What would be your dream signing for Tottenham?

TS: “My dream signing for Tottenham is Ivan Toney. I think it's a perfect fit. I think he's ready for a move and I think Tottenham need a centre forward to lead the line. 

“I would love to see it happen. I think it's perfect for him and perfect for Tottenham.”

Q: What do you make of Man Utd making a 90% loss on Donny van de Beek?

TS: “For Manchester United and Donny van de Beek, I think it's been a disaster all over.”

Q: Can Arsenal win the Premier League title this season?

TS: “I hope Arsenal don’t win the title, that would be my worst nightmare. I hope Manchester City win it again and as long as Arsenal don’t get any further than close, I’ll be happy.”

Q: Can Liverpool compete for major honours under Arne Slot?

TS: “Liverpool won’t be in the title race this season, not with a new manager coming in that doesn’t know the Premier League.

“I wouldn't say that Liverpool are going to be contenders. I think it will be Arsenal and Manchester City again.

“From Liverpool’s point of view they want it to work straight away but it very rarely does that straight away. So I think it's going to be an up and down season for Liverpool.”

Q: Could all three promoted sides face relegation?

TS: “It's a big difference going from the Championship to the Premier League. It's a massive, massive difference. So it will be tough for them to compete and they could all face immediate relegation.”

Profile

Edward Paul Sheringham MBE, born on 2 April 1966, embarked on his professional football career with Millwall, where he played from 1983 to 1991. During his time at Millwall, Sheringham became one of the club's most prolific scorers, netting 111 goals and cementing his place as the second all-time leading scorer for the club. His exceptional performance caught the attention of First Division Nottingham Forest, leading to his transfer in 1991.

Sheringham's stint at Nottingham Forest was marked by scoring the club's first ever Premier League goal. His remarkable skills soon led him to Tottenham Hotspur in 1992, where he spent five successful seasons. In 1997, he joined Manchester United, achieving the pinnacle of his career. At United, Sheringham was part of the historic team that secured the treble—Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League—in 1999. Notably, he scored the equalizing goal and provided the assist for the winning goal in the unforgettable UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich. His tenure with Manchester United also saw him earn three Premier League titles, the Intercontinental Cup, and the FA Charity Shield. In 2001, he was honored with both the PFA Players' Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year awards.

After departing Manchester United in 2001, Sheringham returned to Tottenham Hotspur, reaching the Football League Cup final in the 2001–02 season. He then played for newly promoted Portsmouth, scoring their first Premier League goal, before joining West Ham United. At West Ham, he was instrumental in the club’s promotion to the Premier League from the 2004–05 Football League Championship and played in the 2006 FA Cup final, becoming the third-oldest player to feature in an FA Cup final. Sheringham concluded his playing career with Colchester United, retiring in 2008 at the age of 42.

Throughout his career, Sheringham accumulated 146 Premier League goals, ranking him thirteenth in the league's all-time scorers, and holds records as the oldest outfield player and goalscorer in Premier League history. On the international stage, he was capped 51 times for England, scoring 11 goals and participating in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups, as well as Euro 1996. Post-retirement, Sheringham transitioned to management, leading League Two side Stevenage and the Indian Super League club ATK.

Q&A With Man Utd and England Star Teddy Sheringham

Do you think Manchester United can achieve top-four or even compete for the title?

Ten Hag has a massive job on his hands as Manchester United manager. Things go one way, then go another. That's how it's going to be until he lays down his foundation. With that in mind, I don't think United have a chance to win the league, but they have shown good signs recently, there was a bit of a struggle to get over the line against West Ham, but they did anyway. Top-four is a real chance for United.

Rashford looks back to his best, will Gareth Southgate have to take him to Qatar?

Rashford has a chance, he has fallen out of favour recently because of a lack of positivity in his game, but he's shown he's back in form recently. Whether Ten Hag has shouted at Rashford or put his arm around him, he's looking good again.

Jadon Sancho was on the bench last night. Are his World Cup hopes all but over?

No one's World Cup hopes are over yet, Sancho still has a chance. There are players like Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka who are in front of him at the moment. If Sancho can have a good few weeks, he could get back into the squad.

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Ronaldo did not look anywhere near his best last night against West Ham, is it time for him to move on? Especially given his recent behaviour?

Ronaldo should have moved on at the start of the season when he made it clear that he wanted to leave. It's not ideal to have an unhappy superstar in your camp. If Ronaldo is not 100% committed to the cause, it's not good for the rest of the squad, no matter the player.

Image: Christian Bertrand/shutterstock

How crucial is Eriksen to United’s midfield? Would you have enjoyed being on the end of that cross he did for the Rashford goal?

Eriksen is a fantastic player, he knows exactly where strikers want the ball and score goals too.

Who do Manchester United need to sign to catch up with Arsenal and potentially Manchester City?

Manchester United are way off Manchester City at the moment, the consistency levels City have shown are ridiculous, they do what is expected from their boss, the way Pep Guardiola gets them to understand what to do on and off the pitch, it's outstanding. It's truly amazing what Pep has done for Manchester City and English football. United are a long way off, but these gaps can be closed down.

Image: Planetfootball

Ronaldo snubbed Gary Neville for his comments on United playing better without him, what’s your opinion on that?

It's funny because he snubbed Jamie Carragher the same way! We know what footballers are like, they can get upset. Gary Neville has a job to do, he is very outspoken and Ronaldo is obviously upset. Ronaldo has a job to do as well, if he's not doing it, then Gary will call him out for it.

Harry Maguire looked decent, can he get back to being a starter for Man United?

Harry Maguire has always been a good player, he's had a lot of undeserved stick from everyone, including Manchester United fans. In the Euros, he looked solid for England. When all your defenders are all over the place, it's hard to be solid at the back so I thought it was harsh on Maguire. I'm glad to see him perform well again.

Image: shutterstock

Some fans have said they would not swap Diogo Dalot for any right-back in the world on current form, do you agree?

Manchester United have not had a proper right-back since Gary Neville. If United fans are happy with Diogo Dalot, then fantastic, but I would swap him for one of the English fullbacks, such as Kyle Walker or Reece James.

Ten Hag has hinted Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s time is over at Manchester United by saying they need more full-backs, should United sell him?

If Manchester United can get money for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, they should do a deal. He's fallen out of favour and has had a tough time coming into Manchester United in a tough period. It didn't look like they worked on improving the back four and defensive unit since he's been there.

Editorial credit: kivnl / Shutterstock.com

United are away at Villa on Sunday, how do you see that game going?

Aston Villa is another good game for United to be involved in at the moment. They're struggling, it might take a while for new Aston Villa manager Unai Emery to get his point across and build a relationship with the players, so it's a good time for United to play them, even at Villa.

Was that a champion-like comeback against Bournemouth on Saturday to be 2-0 down and win 3-2 in the dying minutes?

Tottenham's comeback against Bournemouth was definitely not a championship-winning like performance. It looked like two average teams fighting it out, and the slightly better average team won the game. When you look at how Arsenal and Man City are playing, they're way above Tottenham at the moment. Things might change in the way Tottenham play, they might get players back from injury and they might make things tick, but it was not a great performance from Tottenham by any means.

Image: twitter

Do you see Tottenham qualifying to the Champions League knockouts? They have to go away and win in the infamous violent crowd at Marseille

Tottenham only need a draw against Marseille so I'm sure that's in the back of their minds. But they can't sit back and hope for a draw, Spurs have to go out and play the game. If it's the 80th minute, then a draw could be their safety net.

Then Spurs host a struggling Liverpool side, how does Conte take advantage of their form?

Spurs won't know what they're going to get from Liverpool at the moment, Liverpool are doing a Tottenham! Winning one week nicely then losing the next week. It's never a good time to take on Liverpool because we know how dangerous they are. They're obviously not firing on all cylinders at the moment, so this time is as good as any. It will be a good spectacle nonetheless. I'm an advocate that Tottenham need to go for the throat a bit more, take the ball by their own hands and go for it rather than waiting and recovering.

Do you feel sorry for Kane? He’s having a great season bus is nowhere near the goal tally of Erling Haaland

It would be interesting to see the statistics of how many chances have been made for Kane and Haaland, because Tottenham are definitely not creating the same number of chances as Tottenham. Kane is a top quality player, I feel sorry for him to have to play in this team that are not playing great football, but Kane looks happy and enjoys the new manager. 

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Should Kane go to Bayern Munich to get trophies?

Kane to Bayern Munich, that's an interesting one. Bayern were never on my list as a Tottenham and Manchester United player, if anything, he should be eyeing up a Barcelona or Real Madrid move. But who knows, Bayern are a formidable team and win the league every year. Kane thought he was going to Manchester City a year ago but things didn't materialise. If Tottenham continue to play the way they are, he might think Bayern are the way forward.

Photo: Shutterstock/Cosmin Iftode

How much have the injuries of Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison damaged Spurs’ attack?

It doesn't help to bring in new players and they get injured who are supposed to create that spark. Tottenham could do with them coming back.

Does Conte need to change his tactics if Spurs want to achieve Champions League football next season?

Conte does need to change his tactics, he needs to go for the throat rather than worry about the opposition. Pochettino was always a manager who took the game to the opposition, and the Tottenham fans liked that. 

James Maddison is being linked with Tottenham, is he that creative spark they need?

Anyone with that creative thinking play would be great. It would be hard to fit Maddison into this team at the moment, but he could be that link between the midfield and the attack. Tottenham have always needed that dominant midfield player like Patrick Viera and Roy Keane. I like Bentacur, he's come in and done well. He doesn't know the Premier League perfectly yet, he might have another year before he stamps down his authority. 

What do you make of West Ham’s season so far? Where will they finish? They’re only three points above the drop?

West Ham have had a sticky start, a couple of good results, but expectation levels are up from last year since they did so well in the league and in Europe. The European Conference League too makes it very hard, it's a lot of fixtures for them, especially with the World Cup coming up. I'm glad to see them out of the relegation zone at the moment.

Image: whufc

West Ham host Crystal Palace on the weekend, another tough game for the Hammers?

Crystal Palace is a big game. Palace have the players to nullify at the back and that spark up front. Palace have been decent this year so it will be a tough game for West Ham.

Is it time David Moyes needs to be more attacking against the big teams? 

You have to be cautious playing against the big six teams because they can open you up. The expectancy levels aren't so high at the moment because they just have to manage all the competitions that they are in.

Robbie Fowler said Liverpool should sign Declan Rice, do you agree? And how big of a blow would it be to West Ham if he did leave?

It would be a massive loss for West Ham if they lose Declan Rice. Rice is the best midfield player in the country at the moment, if he was for sale, teams like AC Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich would all want him too. All the clubs in England would want him too, that's how much I rate him.

You were at West Ham when they famously signed Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Why do you think Tevez was a success, but Mascherano barely played?

It was strange timing when they came over, they were unfit when they arrived. When you see how well Mascherano did for Barcelona but then could not make it into the West Ham team, it's quite surreal really. 

The pair of them were fantastic, from day one in training you would be like 'wow, we've got two players here who are fantastic'. It took Mascherano a bit longer to get used to the Premier League, but Tevez used his robust way and was an instant hit with the fans, he was fantastic.

Nottingham Forest are still among the favourites to get relegated, do you think they’ll be back down in the Championship next season?

Forest have a tough task to stay up in the Premier League. I really like what Cooper has done at the club, he's a very good manager who did wonders last year. But playing in the Premier League is a different predicament, the longer you stay in the bottom three, the more used to it you are which makes it harder to get out and survive.

Кирилл Венедиктов, CC BY-SA 3.0 GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons

What do you think of Jesse Lingard?

There was a big commotion of Lingard going to Forest. He needs to know he is one of the focal points of the dressing room and the football club, he needs to play like that. Lingard looks like he's needing help on the pitch when he should be supplying that energy and helping his teammates around him.

Should Callum Wilson be in the England squad? Should he be Kane’s back-up or even start?

Harry Kane is the best English centre-forward in the country. But Wilson needed to get a couple of games with England before the World Cup to have a feel of the team. So did Ivan Toney, who offers something different. You could play Toney alongside Kane because he has a bit more movement than Wilson. It would be interesting to see who will go, Toney or Wilson.

Saka suffered an injury at the weekend. Who would your starting front three for England be?

My front three would be Kane obviously, Phil Foden who is a fantastic player, and Raheem Sterling. I think Sterling has more to offer when he plays for England, he's not the finished article and has such a blistering pace over a short space. Sterling causes problems and goes for the throat of defensive frailties. Saka is close to being in the front three, but I prefer the others.

Do you rate Gareth Southgate as a manager? Is he good enough to take this young crop of players forward?

Image: Shutterstock/Dokshin Vlad

Southgate has done unbelievably well in the last two competitions. Who cares what he does in between the competitions as long as he does well in the actual competitions? I'm hoping Southgate can come good again and he's been fantastic for England.

Can Gareth Southgate afford to play Harry Maguire given his recent mistakes in an England shirt? 

Southgate is very loyal and could pick Maguire in his back four. Maguire is having a shaky period, but good players come through those periods. Maguire will be worth playing at the World Cup.

Have you seen anyone like Erling Haaland before? Where does he rank among the best strikers in Premier League history?

Haaland is playing in an awesome football team that listens to the manager on how to achieve success. Haaland is the icing on the cake of the team Manchester City have been making the last few years. Haaland certainly looks the real deal at the moment, whether his all-round game is as good as Harry Kane’s at the moment, I'm not sure, but everything he hits is going in so he's looking great.

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