The best manager England NEVER had? Harry Redknapp challenges you to prove you could manage England better

40% of England fans say if called on tomorrow, they could do as good or better a job than Gareth Southgate and now they’ll have the chance to prove it this summer, against one of the best managers England NEVER had…

Whilst 49% of England fans surveyed believe Gareth Southgate is the best man for the job, 40% say, if called on tomorrow, they could do an as-good or better job than him. In addition to one in ten fans thinking they could have been the best manager England NEVER had, 24% think they would have been better than some past England managers and 19% think they would have been on par.

The research was commissioned by global sports entertainment company Sorare, which offers fans the chance to get close to being a real manager. They’ve appointed arguably the best manager England NEVER had, Harry Redknapp, as a coach on the platform. Harry will be giving fans the chance to see how their ball knowledge rates against his, in games over the summer, finding out who really is top for the top job. England fans overwhelmingly say Harry is the best manager England NEVER had (30%), in front of Graham Potter (9%) and Sean Dyche (6%). To mark the partnership, a cheeky call to arms has been spotted near some famous grounds this week.

From the armchair supporter to the ardent, football fans say they already act like a manager when watching big games: disputing refereeing decisions (30%), looking at line-ups to making predictions (22%), shouting tactical instructions at players (18%), suggesting substitutions and changes (17%), tracking stats during the game (16%) and pacing about as though they are on the touchline (11%). Fans think their greatest strengths were they to be called up as an international manager would include: player management (37%), tactical ability (31%), spotting the best players for each situation (30%), and using data to improve performance (26%).

In the survey, it was also found 15% of football fans think they’ve got the best ‘ball knowledge’ in their friendship group and 22% think they’re one of the most knowledgeable. The more passionate the fan, the higher they rate their own ‘ball knowledge’.

Harry Redknapp says “I’m more of an armchair manager these days but like any football fan I’ve got ideas about what I’d do if I was in charge. I love debating the best line-ups, formation and tactics with my friends and family. Sandra’s always got an opinion too. I’m looking forward to taking on wannabe managers from the comfort of my sunlounger this Summer. If you think you can do better than me, come and ‘av a go!”

"We're very excited to introduce to the world a revolutionary new sports game which is social, simple, and highly engaging. A game that will make you watch football differently.” said Nicolas Julia, CEO of Sorare. “It’s also a great way to find the Best Manager England Never Had this Summer. Will it be Harry or can fans beat him and win some amazing prizes...”

Sorare Rivals offers a free-to-play game that allows sports fans to do more than just own collectibles: fans can test their skills in managing a sports team by creating dream teams composed of their favourite player collectibles and compete in tournaments against other fans. Sorare Rivals is designed to reward the most knowledgeable and engaged football fans, with win streaks and in-game achievements unlocking potential prizes including player-signed football jerseys, digital player cards that you trade and sell, and much more.

This European Championship, it’s you and your friends against the world on Sorare! Sorare is launching Rivals League. Rivals Leagues are fantasy football leaderboard competitions based on the Sorare Rivals game mode. Team up with your friends, create a Rivals League, beat other groups of friends, and compete for 350,000+ rewards… Including the chance to meet Harry Redknapp.