Gareth Southgate’s England were knocked out of the World Cup by France and the former defender’s future is now up in the air following defeat
Gareth Southgate’s most significant challenge since taking over the reins at England ended with defeat.
The Three Lions were beaten by reigning champions France, who booked themselves a place in the World Cup semi-final. Both nations boast top quality players and have also enjoyed a relentless tournament filled with goals and quality though it was not to be for England.
England have reached the World Cup semi-final and the European Championship final under Southgate, but France is, by some distance, the most formidable opposition the Three Lions have faced under the ex-Middlesbrough manager. And with many feeling Southgate could now resign from his post with England failing to end 56 years of hurt, Daily Star Sport considers four other candidates who could be waiting in the wings to take his place.
Thomas Tuchel
In October, German newspaper Bild claimed the former Chelsea manager would be ‘open’ to the opportunity of managing England, despite being sacked by the west Londoners at the start of September, Tuchel is understood to enjoy life in England having lived there since he took the Chelsea job in January 2021.
Tuchel’s immense experience of winning the Champions League, working with world class players, and ability to have a fast and immediate impact on teams would likely make him a very attractive contender for the role. If Southgate was to depart the role as national team manager, then a move for Tuchel would likely make sense for both parties.
Mauricio Pochettino
Pochettino departed the Premier League having nurtured the likes of Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier, Dele Alli, and many more. A dozen England players went on to make their debuts for the Three Lions shortly after working with the former Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton manager.
Pochettino has also told The Athletic he would be open to managing England if an opportunity were to arise in the future. And with Pochettino still waiting for his next managerial position, the Argentine could very well be in the running.
Steve Holland
Steve Holland’s only managerial experience may have been his 14 month stint at Crewe Alexandra in 2007, but he has still been touted by The Telegraph as someone who could become the next England manager. As well as working under Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Rafael Benitez, Antonio Conte, and many more at Chelsea, he has also been with the England set-up since 2013.
He knows the England set-up better than most, has a clear track record of developing young players, and the Football Association hired from within when Southgate was initially given the role in 2016. Of course, Holland would be somewhat of an outsider for the role, if Southgate was to depart the club, but so to was Southgate when he went on to replace Sam Allardyce.
Jose Mourinho
The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager once said he was within six inches of becoming the next England manager. In an interview with the Guardian, Mourinho hinted he had the pen in his hand, ready to sign on the dotted line to replace Steve McClaren as England boss.
The now Roma manager said he changed his mind as he did not want to wait for a major tournament every two years and was not a fan of the long breaks. However, Mourinho is more than 15 years older than he was when the opportunity first appeared. And as the Special One has lost some of his shine after difficult spells at United and Tottenham Hotspur, he may entertain any possible advancement the FA makes.