The news of Gareth Southgate stepping down as the England manager has sparked discussions about potential replacements. Names such as Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino have been brought up as leading candidates to take over the role. Additionally, Lee Carsley and Thomas Tuchel are being considered for the position, as the Football Association (FA) looks to make a decision following Southgate’s departure.
Eddie Howe, known for his successful stint with Newcastle, led the team to a top-four finish in the Champions League for the first time in 20 years during the 2022-23 season. Graham Potter has also caught the FA’s attention, with his coaching abilities praised even before his time at Chelsea. Mauricio Pochettino, who recently left Chelsea, is another strong contender with his experience at top clubs in Europe.
The FA has expressed a preference for an English candidate to take over as the national team manager. While they value the diversity that foreign-born coaches bring, they see the importance of promoting local talent through St George’s Park. However, they are not opposed to considering candidates from overseas, as proven by their hiring of Sarina Wiegman for the England women’s team.
In addition to the aforementioned names, Lee Carsley and Thomas Tuchel are also in the running for the position. Carsley, who has limited experience managing youth teams and brief caretaker roles, could be seen as a potential dark horse for the role. Tuchel, with his success at Chelsea and other top clubs in Europe, brings a wealth of coaching experience to the table.
Jürgen Klopp, who recently left Liverpool, is another intriguing alternative for the England manager role. While he has expressed a desire to take a break from coaching, the possibility of managing a national team could be appealing to him. However, reports suggest that Klopp may also be in talks with United States Soccer for a different role, making his future uncertain.
The search for Gareth Southgate’s replacement as the England manager is underway, with several strong candidates in the running. Whether the FA chooses an English candidate to continue the legacy or opts for a foreign-born coach to bring a fresh perspective, the decision will be crucial in shaping the future of English football.