Wenger: Curbishley experienced enough for England job
Arsene Wenger believes Alan Curbishley’s many experiences with Charlton would stand him in good stead should he be appointed the next England manager.
Curbishley has held preliminary talks with the Football Association over the possibility of succeeding Sven-Goran Eriksson after the World Cup.
While there are expected to be further meetings with a number of different candidates before any firm decision is taken, Arsenal manager Wenger feels Curbishley, 48, is one of the leading home-grown candidates.
“I think he is because I have said many times now that England should choose an English manager,” said Wenger, as he prepared for the visit of Curbishley’s Charlton side tomorrow.
“Ideally it would be an Englishman and Alan Curbishley is one of the candidates.
“But I would concede that if he [England manager] was British it would not be a big problem for England.”
Despite his relative success at the south-east London club – overseeing their transformation from homelessness to an established top-flight outfit - Curbishley has yet to win a major trophy or manage a team in Europe.
Wenger added: “It would be better if he had – but it would not put me off to take a guy like that.
“At least 10 years at the top level that is enough experience.
“It is a job for experienced people because in the big tournaments the decision you make in the 65th minute is something to do. To make the right decision.
“You need that experience and he has that experience.”
The Arsenal boss continued: “I believe that when you have experience [you know] how to handle a team.
“The most difficult to learn is that respect from players and they smell quickly if you are up for it.
“I believe he has the dimension to do it, but if you want an English candidate at least support them.”
