Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager following defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
The former Three Lions boss enjoyed a successful eight years in charge of the national team, bringing to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final.
But, with his contract set to expire in December, the 53-year-old has decided that a change is necessary ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” he said.
“It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.”
The question is: who will be the man replace Southgate as England head coach? Here are some of the leading candidates according to the bookmakers.
Ranking the five favourites to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager:
Mauricio Pochettino – 9/1
Mauricio Pochettino is available after leaving Chelsea at the end of last season, a development that surprised given the Blues’ end-of-season form. After a tough start the Argentine appeared to be settling into things at Stamford Bridge but a ‘mutual decision’ was made to part company.
Pochettino’s stock is not as high as it was during a successful, albeit trophyless, five-and-a-half-year spell with Spurs but the 52-year-old has credentials that look well-suited to England. He has a fine track record in developing emerging talent, evidenced by his faith in Cole Palmer at Chelsea last season, and a strong relationship with Harry Kane and other members of the squad. The question marks would be around his track record of trophies, with Pochettino lacking real pedigree of silverware success.
“I’ve come a long way, I give a lot of credit to Pochettino” ????
Conor Gallagher thanks former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino for giving him extra responsibility as captain last season ???? pic.twitter.com/YgzgP82SlT
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 13, 2024
Read – Four key moments that decided the Euro 2024 final
Thomas Tuchel – 8/1
One of three ex-Chelsea managers in the frame, Thomas Tuchel is seeking his next role after leaving Bayern Munich. Tuchel departed the Bundesliga side after the club’s first season without silverware in over a decade in 2023-24, though boasts the most impressive résumé of the candidates on this list.
Tuchel has won major trophies in three different European leagues and led Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea to Champions League finals, winning the trophy with the latter in 2021. The German would have the personality to handle an England dressing room and the self-confidence to make big decisions, even if the media scrutiny might occasionally ruffle his occasionally prickly personality.
Tweets of the Week – England deep fakes and Darwin Nunez fights with fans
Lee Carsley – 5/1
Spain have shown success can be created through an in-house pathway with former youth coach Luis de la Fuente overcoming initial doubters to win Euro 2024.
England promoted Gareth Southgate from u-21 manager in 2016 and could follow a similar route with Lee Carsley in the frame. The Birmingham-born former Ireland international has built a strong reputation in his coaching career, spending time with Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad before moving into the England set-up.
Wishing U21 #YoungLions head coach Lee Carsley a very happy 50th birthday! ???? pic.twitter.com/UVFzzbp2J5
— England (@England) February 28, 2024
Last summer, he led the u21 side to the European Championship as England won the tournament for the first time since 1984. His knowledge and experience of the emerging generation could help oversee a smooth transition, though his lack of senior experience counts against him. Carsley rejected the chance to take over the Republic of Ireland earlier this year, perhaps in the hope of an offer from England.
Read – Five Premier League players whose stock rose at Euro 2024
Eddie Howe – 3/1
Eddie Howe has long been touted as a future England manager and is perhaps the leading contender among English options.
The 46-year-old has enhanced his reputation at Newcastle, leading the Magpies away from relegation trouble and into the Champions League.
A significant Saudi backing has helped his cause, but Howe has proven he can improve players with time on the training ground. The likes of Fabian Schar, Sean Longstaff and Joelinton have improved beyond recognition under his tutelage.
Howe has continually distanced himself from international football, though the opportunity of inheriting an England side with a real chance at the 2026 World Cup would be tempting.
Choose one to be next England manager ????
???????? Thomas Tuchel
???????????????????????????? Graham Potter
???????????????????????????? Eddie Howe
???????? Mauricio Pochettino pic.twitter.com/VgdJTb4zS7— Fanzine Football (@Fanzine_com) July 15, 2024
Ranked – The five favourites to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or
Graham Potter – 1/1
Graham Potter is the favourite to replace Gareth Southgate should the England manager step down from his role.
Potter has been patient when assessing opportunities to return to management after an ill-fated spell at Chelsea that failed to last a season. The 49-year-old emerged as one of English football’s most exciting coaching prospects at Brighton before his stock tumbled during a difficult spell at Chelsea. However, the minimal improvement in West London since his exit has retrospectively reduced, if not removed, the criticism of his tenure.
Potter’s credentials come from his coaching but with the limited time to work with players at international level, would he have the time to implement his methods? Question marks also remain over a manager who has neither played nor coached in an environment as pressurised as England.
Read – Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament as Spain dominate
See more – Euro 2024 Awards: Best moment, player, goal and more
Subscribe to our social channels:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok
