The Time to Replace Gareth Southgate Has Arrived

After almost eight years in the job, Gareth Southgate has stepped down as the England men’s national team manager. This news comes less than 48 hours after England’s defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024. While Southgate led the Three Lions to two Euros finals as well as the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the World Cup, his departure has left a void that needs to be filled.

From a holistic point of view, the work Southgate did to restructure the national team and create an environment that worked for both players and fans makes him arguably the most important England boss ever. However, all good things must come to an end. Now, the Football Association faces the unenviable task of appointing his successor.

A New Favourite Emerges

Plenty of big names are in the running, but Newcastle boss Eddie Howe appears to be the new favourite. SkyBet have cut the odds of the 44-year-old to succeed Southgate to 2/1, making him the new favourite ahead of former Chelsea and Brighton coach Graham Potter (5/2).

Eddie Howe: The Next England Manager?

Howe has previously described the England post as “the ultimate” job, but Newcastle have made it clear that they will fight to keep him at St James’ Park. With pre-season already underway and the new Premier League season starting in just over four week’s time, losing Howe would leave Newcastle in a tricky situation.

The Other Contenders

England Under-21s boss Lee Carsley is the third favourite at 10/3, and he has the benefit of already knowing the next generation of English stars. Frank Lampard and former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp are both 8/1, although the latter is unlikely to be available after turning down an approach from the United States in favour of taking a break from management.

Pochettino: A Dark Horse?

Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea at the end of last season, is 12/1, and has a good reputation for working with young English players. According to The Independent, the FA would be open to appointing an interim boss if they can persuade Pep Guardiola to take the England job if he leaves Manchester City in 2025.

The Road Ahead

The FA have said that should they not find the right permanent candidate, then they will appoint a coach on an interim basis. One thing is for sure: the next England manager will have big shoes to fill. Whoever takes the reins will need to work tirelessly to build a team that can compete with the best in the world.

The Search for the Next England Manager Has Begun