THE wider implications of Glenn Hoddle’s dismissal have yet to dawn fully on

THE wider implications of Glenn Hoddle’s dismissal have yet to dawn fully on what is left of the Football Association. Especially as no French side has ever won at Wembley and I lost there 5-0 in 1969.”According to Lemerre, it took one infamous Frenchman to break down the barriers (and jump over one) in England. It is ironic then, that the sport you invented gave me a job, while your old manager was so influenced by his time with Monaco.”Lemerre won’t be drawn on Hoddle’s departure or France’s chances of winning. “The point is that you invented the game, and Wembley is the home of football For us it will be a special moment. I love the fact that sporting achievements, as well as academic ones, are respected. David understands.”Lemerre insists he is impressed with the English team.

If there may be an element of gamesmanship in those views, his envy of our sport culture is genuine “I always felt very English in the way I grew up. For others, though, their international careers appear to be over. “Nobody denies that David [Ginola] has incredible talent,” agrees Lemerre “He is doing great, and I am delighted But the French team is something else. They refuse to take anything for granted, and remain focused and determined. If they are prepared to show such dedication, how could I have an over-inflated ego?” How indeed.Along with the big four (Petit, Vieira, Leboeuf and Desailly), Nicolas Anelka is likely to feature in the proceedings at some stage.

Whether Hoddle’s over-confidence or the nation’s acceptance of glorious failures are to blame is debatable But self-indulgence is no French trait. “The richness of this group is that, even now, the players aren’t sure whether they can play football. My mission is to look for a healthy marriage between youth and experience and create competition for places.”When the English party returned from France, they seemed pleased with their achievements. “The World Cup players have done everything in their powers to remain in the squad, so the others must follow their example and do everything in theirs to enter the group. “I will let them live and develop as a unit, but I won’t be negligent. I just know that when I was a player I didn’t want to be disturbed, and it’s the same for these guys now.

I know how internationals operate.”To his credit, Lemerre has managed to keep the winning squad together (apart from the Rangers keeper, Laurent Charbonnier, who exiled himself), and results, including a 3-2 away win over Russia, have been good. His decision not to tinker with a winning formula may be understandable, but many fear the group may commit the cardinal sin of resting on their laurels “Ah non,” he exclaims. It is simply that I did not get the top job to change things.”Lemerre’s “If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it” policy has been seen in some quarters – not least the now more vicious L’Equipe – as a weakness. “After the triumph, there was no consensus as to who should get the job,” says Lemerre. “I was around, and the president [Noel Le Graet] asked me to do the job.