The search for the next England manager began on Tuesday, with numerous names circulating and much speculation about who will replace Gareth Southgate in one of the most high-profile positions in soccer. Southgate, who has been in charge since 2016, announced his departure less than 48 hours after England's second consecutive European Championship final loss, a devastating 2-1 defeat by Spain in Berlin on Sunday. This news, though not unexpected, immediately shifted focus to the future and whether England should opt for another domestic candidate or look abroad for a distinguished successor.
"The process for appointing Gareth’s successor has commenced, and we aim to confirm our new manager as soon as possible," stated Football Association Chief Executive Mark Bullingham. "Our UEFA Nations League campaign begins in September, and we have an interim solution in place if necessary." He added, "We are aware of the inevitable speculation, but we will not comment further on our process until the appointment is made."
The next manager will need to be resilient, given the high expectations and the historical weight of England's quest for their first major title since winning the 1966 World Cup at home. Premier League experience and strong man-management skills to foster and maintain team spirit and culture, despite intense personal criticism, will likely be required. If the Football Association opts for another Englishman, Newcastle United's Eddie Howe, former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and current England under-21 coach Lee Carsley appear to be the leading candidates. Southgate himself began as an under-21 coach and started as an interim before securing the full-time role, and Carsley could follow a similar path. Potter is available immediately, having been sacked by Chelsea last year, while Howe might need to accept a pay cut.
"Over the years, we've seen various types of managers; the fashionable, international managers, the best English managers, and Gareth, who has risen through the ranks with younger teams," said former England defender Gary Neville. "Where England goes next, I don't know. There are some obvious contenders, I think Graham Potter and Eddie Howe will be mentioned." Neville believes it should definitely be an English manager, arguing that appointing an international manager would be a mistake and that they need to develop an English coach.
Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, despite their illustrious playing careers, are further down the list of prospects for the managerial role. Bookmakers have added some international flair and fantasy with odds on former Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, PSG, and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel (ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich), and recently departed Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp. Other names in the mix include former Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, whose club contract expires next year.
