Ridsdale and Venables are set to form an alliance

A 4-1 victory over Holland at Wembley during the competition was a memorable highlight.

But ultimately England failed to end "30 years of hurt" as they lost their semi-final against Germany in a penalty shoot-out.

Before the tournament, Venables' players were heavily criticised for their behaviour during a flight back from a tour to China and Hong Kong when TV screens were damaged.

At that same time, the media exposed the player's drunken celebrations for Paul Gascoigne's 29th birthday and the infamous "dentist's chair" incident.

Prior to coaching England, Venables had a spell in charge of the famed Spanish club Barcelona.

He took the side to the 1986 European Cup final where they were beaten by Steaua Bucharest and the fact that he lasted almost three years at the Catalan club is an accomplishment in itself.

Venables took over as manager of Tottenham in October 1987 and guided the club to a third-place finish in Division One in 1990 as well as an FA Cup victory a year later.

However, his activities away from the pitch again dominated.

In March 1991, Venables and Larry Gillick failed with a �20m bid for the club.

Three months later, Venables became Tottenham chief executive after Alan Sugar won a takeover battle with Robert Maxwell.

The pair had an uneasy relationship and in 1993, Venables' contract as chief executive was terminated by fellow directors.

Sugar then banned Venables from White Hart Lane.

In September, Venables threatened the BBC's Panorama programme with libel action after it alleged various misdealings connected with his businesses.

And it was Venables' concerns outside of football which led to his decision to quit England.

Venables and Sugar had their difficulties

In January, 1996 Venables said upcoming court cases could interfere with England's efforts to qualify for the 1998 World Cup finals and he would resign after Euro 96.

But in July, Venables was appointed director of football at First Division Portsmouth.

In November, Venables became Australia coach and also announced his appointment as Portsmouth chairman.

The Socceroos failed to qualify for the World Cup and Venables' reign came to an end.

In January, 1998, the Department of Trade and Industry ordered Venables to attend the High Court.

Short-term roles

He stepped down as Pompey chairman after accepting a six-figure cash sum for his controlling interest - he had bought the club for �1.

And Venables was also banned from holding company directorships for seven years.

A return to coaching followed as Venables joined Crystal Palace coach for the 1998-99 season but he left in January, remaining only as a consultant.

After an extended break, Venables returned to the fray once more as he answered a plea from struggling Middlesbrough.

In December, 2000, he was appointed as coach under manager Bryan Robson.

Boro escaped relegation, but Venables decided not to continue at the club and he steps down to concentrate on his television commitments as a pundit.