Who will Replace Gareth Southgate as the Next England Manager?

Gareth Southgate has enjoyed a hugely successive stint in charge of England since taking over from Sam Allardyce in 2016. Although he has faced criticism from some sections of suppports, the former defender has managed to guide the Three Lions to the final of Euro 2020 and to the final of the FIFA World Cup. Nevertheless, Southgate’s current contract expires in December 2024 and unless he can guide his side to glory in Germany this summer, he appears fairly unlikely to continue in this high-pressure role.

What Next for Gareth Southgate?

Southgate has been linked with a number of vacancies, however, his primary focus has understandably been on the Euros. He was touted as a potential replacement for Erik Tan Haag at the Manchester United, yet the Dutchman signed a new contract at the beginning of July which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2028.

One of the underappreciated elements of coaching an international football team is the pressure and the criticisms that are directed towards you by both the public and the press. Southgate has admitted that he can’t please everyone and he may simply wish to take some time out of the game.

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Who are the Contenders to Replace Him?

Former Brighton and Swansea boss Graham Potter is the favourite to take over and has been towards the top of the market since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023. Although he has been linked with plenty of vacancies and was reported to have been interviewed for the Leicester City job this summer, he has yet to be re-employed. Many believe that the highly-thought of coach is holding out for a bigger opportunity and this role would certainly fit the bill.

Mauricio Pochettino is also seeking his next role having severed ties with Chelsea this summer. The Argentine also features heavily in the betting and although England don’t have a rich history of appointing foreign coaches, Pochettino’s extensive Premier League CV which also includes successful spells at Southampton and Spurs should help to assauge any doubts over his ability. His penchant for working with younger players and developing them also makes him a fairly appealing option.

Eddie Howe has enjoyed some recent success at Newcastle and is also amongst the contenders whereas Pep Guardiola, who is reportedly set to leave Manchester City at the end of next season is also on the list.

Who is Graham Potter?

Potter was a relative unknown when he guided Swedish outfit Ostersunds to three promotions in five seasons. He also enjoyed plenty of success in the Europa League with the minnows being drawn against Arsenal in the group stage of the competition. The former left-back has been managing since 2011 and he is renowned for his unconventional coaching methods. Although he is tactically astute, he is keen to get groups of players to gel and wants his team to be unafraid to express themselves and try out different systems.

With his ability to help players bond and ingratiate themselves within the squad, he is viewed as an ideal candidate for international management as the players often spend just a few days together ahead of matches and tournaments.

Potter cites Pep Guardiola and Roberto Martinez as his influences and his ability to change systems within a game is a skill which many England fans believe is something that Gareth Southgate is lacking.

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