Tributes paid to manager who took England to verge of glory at Euro 96

Tributes have been paid to Terry Venables, the hugely charismatic and colourful manager who guided England to the verge of European Championship glory in 1996, after his death on Saturday at 80.

- Sean Ingle

Few England managers have been more loved than "El Tel", whose twoyear tenure in charge of the national team ended in an agonising Euro 96 defeat to Germany on penalties.

After his family announced that Venables had died peacefully in his sleep following a long illness, numerous players came forward to praise his supreme tactical and man-management skills.

They were led by the former England footballer Gary Neville, who called Venables "without doubt the most technically gifted British coach we've ever produced".

That sentiment was echoed by the current England manager, Gareth Southgate, who missed the crucial penalty against Germany at Wembley. Venables was "an outstanding coach and manager. Tactically excellent, he had a wonderful manner, capable of handling everyone from the youngest player to the biggest star," Southgate said.

"He was open-minded, forwardthinking, enjoyed life to the full and created a brilliant environment with England that allowed his players to have one of the most memorable tournaments in England history," he added.