Gareth Southgate is preparing England for this summer’s European Championship, in what is expected to be his final tournament in charge of the Three Lions.
The 53-year-old – who has been linked with Manchester United – has been England’s most successful head coach since 1966, having led the national team to a World Cup semi-final and a runners-up finish at Euro 2020. However, after almost eight years in charge, it is likely to be the end of Southgate’s reign after this summer’s tournament, regardless of England’s performance.
Speculation could soon turn to who will replace Southgate and we’ve looked at the five favourites to become the next England manager.
Ranking the favourites to be next England manager:
Lee Carsley – 10/1
Southgate was appointed England manager after coaching the u-21 side, with the FA opting for promotion from within their ranks. Lee Carsley has also impressed in charge of the Young Lions, leading the u-21 team to the European Championship for the first time since 1984 last summer.
The 50-year-old was previously a highly-regarded member of Manchester City’s academy coaching staff, though his appointment would represent a huge gamble. Carsley has never before coached a senior club side on a permanent basis.
Jose Mourinho – 10/1
Jose Mourinho is out of work after being sacked as head coach of AS Roma earlier this season, though has said he is keen to get back into football as soon as possible.
When asked at a Moto GP event in Portimao, about any offers, he replied: “Zero, zero. I don’t have a club, I’m free. But I want to work, in the summer I want to work.”
Asked whether he would return to coach in Portugal, he added: “Why? Never say no, especially in football. My life is football, I can train anywhere, I have no problems.”
Mourinho’s style might be unpopular given the wealth of attacking talent at England’s disposal, but the ‘Special One’ is a proven winner who might just suit international football at this stage of his career. Mourinho – who has been linked with Bayern Munich and a return to Chelsea of late – is the only coach to have won the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.
Pep Guardiola – 8/1
Could England tempt the finest coach in world football? It appears unlikely, but Pep Guardiola sits as the equal second-favourite to succeed Southgate.
The Spaniard has set new standards at Manchester City, winning four of the last five Premier League titles and domestic and continental trebles. In addition to the wealth of silverware success, his brand of football has been a huge influence on the English game across all tiers.
Jurgen Klopp – 8/1
Jurgen Klopp is also listed as an option for England after announcing he will leave Liverpool at the end of the current campaign.
The German will call time on his Liverpool reign after almost nine years in charge, a period that has seen Klopp restore the Reds to the top of the English and European game. He has won eight trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League, at Anfield.
However, the 56-year-old has outlined his intent to take an extended break from the game before returning to management.
Graham Potter – 8/1
Two English candidates lead the running, with Graham Potter the second favourite. The former Brighton and Chelsea boss has taken a patient approach to his return to the dugout, following a short-lived spell in charge at Stamford Bridge last season.
The 48-year-old previously won plaudits for his spell at Brighton, implementing an attractive style of football as the Seagulls achieved a then-best-ever Premier League finish of ninth in 2021/22.
Given the options available with England, Potter could instil a more front-footed philosophy than has often been seen during Southgate’s more pragmatic tenure. His Chelsea career saw his stock fall, but given the current circus in west London, it should not be overly concerning.
Eddie Howe – 4/1
Eddie Howe is the favourite to succeed Southgate, should the FA prefer to appoint an English coach.
The 46-year-old has enhanced his reputation since taking charge at Newcastle, leading the Magpies to a top-four finish and Champions League qualification for the first time in two decades in 2022/23.
However, Newcastle’s form has dipped this season, raising question marks over his long-term future at St James’ Park as the club’s ambitious ownership look to challenge the elite. If available, he will be at the forefront of the FA’s thoughts.
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