Michel Platini: ‘France Would’ve Built Whole Team Around’ Overlooked England Genius

 Football has seen an endless list of players lace up their boots and take to the pitch. A storied sport with a glittering history, the litany of icons that have kicked a ball means that if you're not in the upper echelon of players, then history often forgets you. A legend of the 1980s, Michel Platini, revealed which overlooked and underrated England footballer he believes the French national team could have been built around.

The English side of the 1980s was marked by a plethora of talent. With the likes of Kevin Keegan, Ray Wilkins and Peter Shilton donning the Three Lions kit in this era, as has been the case for England for a matter of decades, the talent on the pitch could never become the sum of its parts and bring trophies home for the country.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Despite being the joint-oldest national team, England have only won one major honour, the 1966 World Cup.

Opting for a direct style of football and the often-used 4-4-2 formation meant that England managers Ron Greenwood and Bobby Robson had to often dismiss certain talent from the team, with the tactics just not fitting their style of play. A move that meant one England player wasn't used correctly, three-time Ballon d'Or winner Michel Platini revealed that player would have had the French side of the 1980s built around him.

Michel Platini Named Overlooked England Star Made for France

Despite having 53 caps, the England star was never utilised properly

Often brought up in the debate of footballing greats, it is hard not to listen to the opinion of Michel Platini, with his three Ballon d'Ors speaking for themselves. A highly successful footballer, Platini enjoyed his football in France and Italy, achieving over 100 appearances for all three domestic clubs he played for.

As well as playing for France in the '70s and '80s before spending time as a manager for the national team, his role as a part of France's 'magic square' midfield trio cemented him as a footballing great. Having held various roles in the football industry since retirement, Platini has made it clear he knows the football world well. Speaking on the England side of the 1980s, Platini named Glenn Hoddle as the footballer he thought could have made it in the French side of his era.

“If he [Hoddle] had been French, he would have would have won well over 100 caps and the team would have been built around him.”

Glenn Hoddle's Underwhelming England Career

Platini is right to respect Hoddle's ability

Glenn Hoddle, despite having represented his national side on 53 occasions, was the victim of a style of play that didn't open the doors to flair and creativity. A naturally gifted midfielder, England's preference for direct football meant a luxury player like Hoddle was not utilised properly.

Having been a part of France's carré magique alongside midfielders Jean Tigana, Alain Giresse and Luis Fernández, it is high praise from Platini to believe Hoddle could've slotted in alongside his fellow French midfield partners. Now possessing an overwhelming amount of creative talent, England fans will hope the current regime can platform their luxury acts, such as Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, and not let this era of imaginative talent go to waste.