Terry Venables: Former England coach is dead

His name was also well known to German football fans: the former English national coach Terry Venables (1943-2023) is dead. He died at the age of 80, as reported, among other things, citing a statement from the family of the deceased. Details about the cause of death have not yet been given.

Germany’s semi-final opponent at Euro 96

Venables coached the English Three Lions during the home European Championship in 1996. After a memorable game, the team only lost in the semi-finals and after penalties to eventual European champions Germany. From 2006, Venables returned to the national team as an assistant coach for a year.

He previously coached FC Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur as a coach at club level. He won the Spanish championship with the Catalans in 1985 and led Tottenham to victory in the FA Cup in 1991. After his time as coach of the Three Lions, Venables was in charge of the Australian national football team for a year.

“Died peacefully after a long illness”

“We are devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father, who died peacefully yesterday after a long illness,” said the statement from the family of the deceased, which was available to the BBC. Venables’ former club Tottenham will observe a minute’s silence in memory of the deceased before today’s Premier League home game. The players will also wear mourning ribbon.

Companions remember Terry Venables

Many former football professionals from the island also expressed their condolences. “I am devastated to learn that Terry Venables has died. The best and most innovative coach I had the pleasure of playing for,” (62) on X (formerly Twitter).

Former England captain and international Alan Shearer (53), the top scorer at Euro 96, said: “Extremely sad news. The great Terry Venables has passed away. RIP Boss. I have so much to thank you for. You were great.”