Mike Bassett: England Manager (Again)

After leading England to the semi-finals in the World Cup over a decade ago, Mike Bassett (from the Mike Bassett England Manager film) will yet again take over the reigns of England's Senior National Team in a bid to take them to the 2016 European Championships.

This appointment has surprised many following Roy Hodgson surprise resignation as England coach. Bassett led England to semi-final, after being knocked out by Brazil. But after a poor start to the qualifying campaign for the Euros, which followed it, Bassett was immediately sacked.

He then took over the role as manager of Wirral County. He spent one season at the Northern club, saving them from relegation on the last day of the season but straight after resigning to spend more time with family. Following these events, his long time assistant David Dodds took over at the club, but after financial troubles, the club went bust.

Bassett is yet to speak to the media after his appointment but a press conference is due at the weekend. Mike was known for being clever, passionate, and using incredibly colourful language in the press conferences as well as in the changing room.

Will Mike Bassett guide England to winning the Euros. Or will he mess up this campaign like the last. Only time will tell. His first fixture in charge is a friendly at home to 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa. This game will be played at Wembley on 3rd September 2014.

Looking forward to this story. Gonna follow it for sure.

@MisterLister: Cheers Mate!

I assume England will play four four f****** two?

@Hortensius: Aha. That is the way forward. Thanks for the comment

Mike Bassett has today unveiled his first England squad ahead of their friendly match against South Africa and their first European Championship Qualifier away at Switzerland.

The squad didn't contain too many surprises but three uncapped players were in the squad. Those being Calum Chambers of Arsenal, Danny Rose of Tottenham Hotspur and finally Fabien Delph of Aston Villa. The full squad is as follows:

Defoe hmm... Didn't expect that coming. But i hope you made good decision. Good luck

Good luck!

Jermain Defoe is a weird pick for an England team. I hope he isn't going to be a first choice striker! Good luck all the same.

MisterLister: I know, it is a surprise. But lets not forget it is Mike Bassett aha.

Justice: Thanks Justice. Your support is much welcome.

Jamesg237: It is weird, but so is Mike Bassett. And don't worry, Defoe isn't number one. That one is Heskey haha.

Starting XI: (4-4-2)
Hart;Johnson,Cahill,Jones,Baines;Chamberlain,Henderson,Milner,Young,Rooney,Sturridge

Subs Used:
Stones,Welbeck,Cleverley,Defoe,Barry,Townsend

Goalscorers:
Rooney (13)
Baines (pen 83)

England's MOTM:
Gary Cahill

Starting XI: (4-4-2)
Hart;Johnson,Jagielka,Cahill,Baines;Chamberlain,Henderson,Delph,Young;Welbeck,Sturridge

Subs:
Ruddy,Jones,Milner,Defoe,Stones,Barry,Townsend

Substitutions Made:
OFF:Delph
ON:Jones

OFF:Welbeck
ON:Defoe

OFF:Jagielka
ON:Milner

Goalscorers:
Henderson (65)
Young (68)
Defoe (90+2)

England's MOTM:
Jermain Defoe

The England squad selected by Mike Bassett has only had a few minor changes to the previous one. Last times surprise member Jermain Defoe keeps his place after scoring against Switzerland as a substitute. Players such as Shaw, Sterling and Wilshere have returned from injury to return into the squad.

The inform Michael Carrick has also been called up after some impressive performaces for Manchester United. His teammate Chris Smalling has also been called up to the squad as well as Liverpool's Rickie Lambert who has been brought in as a result of Wayne Rooney's long term injury. The full squad is as follows:

Good luck against Slovenia and Estonia hopefully will be better than vs Swiss.

Starting XI: (4-4-2)
Hart;Clyne,Jagielka,Jones,Baines;Sterling,Henderson,Barry,Young;Sturridge,Welbeck

Subs:
Ruddy,Johnson,Milner,Defoe,Shaw,Cleverley,Lambert

Substitutions:
OFF:Sterling
ON:Milner

OFF:Sturridge
ON:Defoe

OFF:Welbeck
ON:Lambert

Goalscorers:
Young (40)
Sturridge (49)
Baines (pen 90)

England's MOTM:
Phil Jagielka

Starting XI: (4-4-2)
Hart;Johnson,Jagielka,Jones,Shaw;Milner,Cleverley,Carrick,Young;Defoe,Welbeck

Subs:
Ruddy,Cahill,Barry,Sturridge,Clyne,Baines,Walcott

Substitutions:
OFF:Shaw
ON:Baines

OFF:Carrick
ON:Barry

OFF:Welbeck
ON:Walcott

Goalscorers:
Welbeck (3)
Defoe (35,65)

England's MOTM:
Jermain Defoe

Nice job!!! Defoe is making me speechless. WOW