Gareth Southgate is the man who is in the media spotlight and receives all the plaudits for leading England on a remarkable Euro 2020 campaign so far, with the nation one step away from being crowned winners.
But praise is more than due to his backroom staff working tirelessly behind the main man himself, and no less his assistant manager.
You'll no doubt have seen Steve Holland having countless conversations with Southgate on the sidelines as they talk tactics and substitution choices - a winning formula which has got them to the stage where they are at now, in the final of the tournament against Italy at Wembley Stadium on Sunday night. But who is he? And what is his footballing pedigree that has led him to the number two job for the home nation on the brink of glory?
The 51-year-old started out his career as a player himself, mainly in the lower leagues, playing for Derby County, Bury, Husqvarna FF, Northwich Victoria and Hyde United between 1986 and 1992. But a bad injury brought his career to a premature end and he decided to go into coaching.
He managed Crewe Alexandra from 2007 to 2008, before moving on to Chelsea where he took up a position as reserves coach from 2009 to 2011, and then assistant to the men's side from 2011 to 2017. He became England under 21s assistant from 2013 to 2016, before becoming assistant to the England men's national side in 2016.
Discussing Holland's impact, Crewe Alexandra boss Dave Artell told Cheshire Live : “I think everyone who has met the guy knows he is a terrific guy, a humble guy, a terrific coach. He is the best of the best, it is as simple as that and he deserves all the plaudits that come his and Gareth’s way.
“Gareth has the same values as Steve in terms of their humility and emotional management skills, if you want to call it that, complemented with terrific football skills. So, it is no surprise to see they have done so well."
