Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has been a regular fixture on fans’ screens since his arrival in England in 1997.
The Dutch striker was a feared goalscorer during his playing days, as he picked up the Premier League Golden Boot award twice, one each with Leeds and Chelsea.
Hasselbaink boasts 127 goals in the English top-flight, and also had an impressive international record, finding the net nine times in 23 appearances for the Netherlands.
Since hanging up his boots, he has made the transition into coaching, guiding Burton Albion to League One for the first time in 2015 before taking charge of Queens Park Rangers later that year.
Elsewhere, the 52-year-old has worked as a pundit as part of Sky Sports’ football coverage.
But Hasselbaink’s latest role has seen him join Gareth Southgate in Germany for Euro 2024 and he is expected to be on the England bench on Sunday against Serbia.
What is Hasselbaink’s role with England?
Hasselbaink joined the Three Lions’ coaching staff in March 2023, with the Dutchman’s main responsibility believed to be helping England’s strikers at Euro 2024, including Bayern Munich star Harry Kane.
The former Middlesbrough hero replaced former coach Chris Powell in the international set-up, who chose to focus on his role in charge of Tottenham’s academy after his contract expired.
And Hasselbaink’s appointment was welcomed by Southgate, with the pair’s relationship dating back to their time together as teammates at Boro.
The national team boss said of his arrival at the time: “You’d like to have an English staff across the board, but there is strength in having other personalities as well.
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“Jimmy will bring a presence. He’s got great energy. He has a high interest in the tactical side of the game – he’s typically Dutch, a student. I think he’s going to bring a lot to our coaching team.”
Hasselbaink’s role within the England has seen him become the latest example of the FA’s drive to improve diversity in football, by giving opportunities to more black coaches within England’s teams.
This initiative has also seen Chelsea legend Ashley Cole and former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott join the national team’s under-21 coaching staff.
The ex Atletico Madrid man has already witnessed history while working with the Three Lions team, with Kane becoming England’s all-time top goalscorer shortly after his arrival.
And Hasselbaink will hope he can use his expertise to help Southgate’s side to break further records, ideally with a first ever European Championship title this summer.
Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
