Four options to replace Gareth Southgate should the England coach leave after Euro 2024
Euro 2024 gets underway in just a matter of days, and it could be the last chance saloon for Gareth Southgate to win a major tournament with England. The 53-year-old's contract is set to end this year, and negotiations are currently on hold until after the Euros.
The England to win Euro 2024 odds are firmly in their favour, and if the Three Lions do lift the prestigious piece of silverware for the first time, then Southgate and the FA have a big decision to make.
If this is to be the end of his eight-year stint as England boss, let's take a look at some of the FA's potential options to replace him.
Eddie Howe – 5/2
The current Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is the outright favourite. Havingrevitalised the Magpies in such a short period of time, taking them from relegation candidates to Champions League qualifiers in his first 18 months or so.
However, last season didn’t go to plan at St. James’s Park. Newcastle underwhelmingly crashed out of the Champions League in the group stage while finishing seventh in the Premier League, ultimately missing out on European football entirely due to Manchester United’s FA Cup success.
As a young, exciting English coach, there is plenty of appeal for Howe to be Southgate’s successor, and he could be willing to jump ship if the job opens up.
Graham Potter – 8/1
Things didn't work out for Graham Potter at Chelsea, and he hasn't managed since being sacked by the Blues after just six months in April 2023, but that might not put the FA off.
Potter's tenure at Brighton & Hove Albion showcased his ability to build a competitive team and play an attractive brand of football.
Despite the setback at Chelsea, his innovative approach and potential to instil a cohesive, progressive playing style could be exactly what the England squad needs moving forward.
Mauricio Pochettino – 9/1
Another former Chelsea boss, Mauricio Pochettino was somewhat harshly sacked by Todd Boehly at the end of the 2023-24 season, and 'Poch' knows English football well after stints with Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, as well as his time at Stamford Bridge.
His ability to develop young players and create a dynamic, high-pressing team might be an ideal fit for the young talent emerging in England's ranks.
Pochettino’s experience in managing top-tier teams under high pressure could serve him well in the international arena.
Pep Guardiola – 10/1
There are strong reports that Pep Guardiola will be leaving Manchester City at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, and the Spaniard has previously flirted with the idea of international management.
The England job might not be as glamorous as some of the other choices, however, like Argentina or Brazil.
Nonetheless, Guardiola’s unparalleled success at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, coupled with his innovative tactics and ability to get the best out of world-class players, would make him a sensational appointment for England.
For now, the focus is on Southgate and his squad, with the England odds predicting the Three Lions to win Euro 2024.
However, the possibility of change looms large, and the FA will need to carefully consider their options should Southgate's tenure come to an end.
