When the idea of managing England was first put to Ange Postecoglou, his reaction said it all.

“Come on, mate...”

It was October last year and Postecoglou’s feet had barely settled under his desk at Hotspur Way, Tottenham’s lavish training facility and headquarters in north London. He had just finished his weekly press conference. I was there. The press pack had convinced the club to let Postecoglou speak for a few minutes more about his time in Australia, under embargo, with the quotes to be released a couple of days later in advance of the Socceroos’ friendly against England at Wembley Stadium.

Ange Postecoglou watches Tottenham’s 5-1 win over Hearts, their first pre-season match.Credit: Getty

This was probably the peak of the English media’s early fascination with Postecoglou, who by that stage had been named Premier League manager of the month twice in a row, with a third gong to come. The honeymoon period was in full swing, and they were all still trying to get their heads around him.

Postecoglou was first asked if he would ever consider returning to coach the Socceroos later on his career. The answer was a firm and polite no, having just elaborated on his views about the many structural and cultural challenges blocking the progress of Australian soccer, his frustrations with them, and how he “gave up that fight” by leaving on the eve of the 2018 World Cup and moving overseas.

Then came the follow-up. Would you fancy managing England?........

© Brisbane Times