Thank U, Next
- Daniel Austin-Chukwu
- Jul 27, 2024
- 4 min read
It’s official folks, Gareth Southgate is no longer the England manager. He had his critics (me included), but the players loved playing for him. Even though he couldn’t end England’s 58-year wait for a trophy, two finals, one semi-final and one quarter-final during his tenure shows his time was by no means a failure. The question now is, who will replace him? So, for this week’s post, let’s run through some of the leading candidates.
Eddie Howe
According to the bookies, the Newcastle coach is the favourite for the job. Newcastle’s transformation from battling survival to qualifying for the Champions League and mixing it with the big boys showcases his capabilities. Were he to become the next coach, he would be better equipped to get England playing more attractive football, something that was often criticised during the previous regime. The FA posted the official job description on their website, with some of the requirements including the need to win a major tournament, having experience in English football and possessing a track record of delivering results in the Premier League. He may not meet that first prerequisite, but he certainly ticks those last two. The main sticking point would be the compensation the FA would have to pay to lure him away from Tyneside. The ongoing changes at Newcastle may have him questioning his place, which could pave the way perfectly for him to become the new England manager.
Graham Potter
Another leading candidate is Graham Potter. The former Chelsea manager has been out of work since in April 2023. His time in West London should not deter from his managerial success as no one would have succeeded under those circumstances. Look at his spell at Brighton instead, which is a far better reflection of how he can develop players, make a team fun to watch and create a footballing culture that is aligned from top to bottom. He has been linked with the job in the past and he’s made it public that the time is right for him to step back into management, if the right opportunity presents itself. Like Howe, he fits the criteria. For the FA, it would cost much less to get Potter given he’s not managing now. Would that make him the “safe” choice then? I don’t know about that. He would be under immense pressure, but if the support is there around him, he’d be a good choice.
Lee Carsley
For context, Lee Carsley is the current England Under-21 coach who’s been in the role since 2021. The one thing he has that the other leading contenders don’t have is an international trophy, as he led the Under-21s to EUROs glory in 2023. Whilst he hasn’t had success (or experience) at the senior level, a trophy is a trophy no matter how you slice it. That said, appointing Carsley would represent the easy choice for the FA, and the one that would cause the most backlash. For all intents and purposes, he is a Southgate 2.0; someone who the FA are familiar with & has been part of the grassroots setup for a while. If England want to play more attacked-minded football, it wouldn’t make sense to choose Carsley. Now is not the time to England to place it safe. They need to win and win now. No disrespect to Carsley, he is not the guy to get England over the hump.
Mauricio Pochettino
Looking for a coach that will play attacking football? Allow me to reintroduce myself, my name is Mauricio. The Argentine was acrimoniously sacked by, guess who, Chelsea, at the end of last season, despite finishing 6th when it looked for all the world that they wouldn’t make the European spots. His stock has taken a hit in recent times, but that Tottenham team he had was one of my favourite teams to watch, energetic, direct and fast-paced. This is exactly how England need to start playing. The FA have stated that the new manager does not need to be English, although it would be preferred. Aside from Chelsea, Poch has spoken glowingly about his time managing in England, and he’d be comfortable with the setup and coping with the media and fans. I’m someone that doesn’t think that a national team coach doesn’t have to be from that nation, and his appointment could welcome a departure from the norm.
Honourable Mentions
Jurgen Klopp is a name that has been mentioned. He’d be a hugely choice and would relish the opportunity. After leaving Liverpool, he probably needs a break from management and so I can’t see this happening. Someone else linked to the job is Frank Lampard. I’m not his biggest fan, but he would demand the respect from the players & his love for England may also be to his advantage. Unfortunately for him, I don’t think he has the credentials to do well in the position. A real wildcard for the job is Pep Guardiola. Imagine if he was able to guide England to international glory, that would be something. Question is, does international football interest him enough to leave City, and would he prefer to manage his beloved Spain over England? Other names I’ve seen rumoured are Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Tuchel and Michael Carrick. Tuchel would be a fascinating selection; the others though are unlikely to happen given they don’t fit the criteria the FA are after.
This Week’s Hot Take
It doesn’t matter who the next England manager is, the thing that needs changing the most is the mindset in the England camp. For too long, England have been a team that has not been able to dominate the ball against the better teams. It’s not as if England’s midfield is limited. They have the players to play possession-based football. It’s a case of the right manager being able to turn England from a play from under team to one that plays on the front foot.
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