Gareth Southgate’s predecessor Sam Allardyce believes the England manager may think he has taken the team as far as he can after eight years in charge.
Southgate led England to their third major men’s final appearance on Sunday, where they were beaten 2-1 by Spain in the Euro 2024 showpiece.
The 53-year-old’s future is now under intense speculation and although he gave nothing away in the aftermath in Berlin, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the contenders who could be on the shortlist if Southgate does leave.
Eddie Howe
The Newcastle boss, one of only three English managers in the Premier League next season, would be a popular choice. The media-savvy 46-year-old delivered Champions League football at St James’ Park for the first time in 20 years and twice guided Bournemouth to top-flight promotion with an attacking brand of football that England fans have been demanding.
Graham Potter
Potter, 49, had been on a steep upward trajectory before being sacked by Chelsea after less than seven months in April 2023. Currently out of work, he previously performed miracles in Sweden with Ostersund and steered Brighton to their highest Premier League finish, with Pep Guardiola describing the Seagulls’ progressive football as “a joy to watch, a joy to analyse”.
Mauricio Pochettino
A leading contender. A Premier League and Champions League runner-up with Tottenham and a Ligue 1 winner with Paris St Germain. Pochettino has an impressive CV, especially in England after winning admirers as Southampton boss. The 52-year-old also has a proven track record of developing young talent, with Cole Palmer at Chelsea a case in point before the Argentinian departed Stamford Bridge in June.
Pep Guardiola
The fact Guardiola features high on the bookmakers’ list needs no justification. But does his fire still burn bright enough to consider the job? The 53-year-old Spaniard is arguably modern football’s most influential manager and would be the best bet to get the maximum out of England’s talent. But would he want to risk his reputation as one of the all-time greats?
Jurgen Klopp
The charismatic former Liverpool boss falls into the same bracket as Guardiola. If Klopp, 57, was interested in the role, his application would surely be hard to turn down. He does not want to manage another Premier League club but whether he would be interested in becoming England’s first German manager is another matter.
