Ange Postecoglou focused only on Tottenham after England link

LONDON – Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has insisted he has “no idea” about reports claiming that he is a contender to take charge of the England national team.

The Football Association (FA) has started its search for a new manager following Gareth Southgate’s decision to end his eight-year reign on July 16, in the aftermath of the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 final loss to Spain.

Postecoglou has joined England Under-21 coach Lee Carsley, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and former Chelsea bosses Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel on the FA’s list of potential candidates.

After a largely impressive first season with Tottenham, who finished fifth in the Premier League, the attack-minded Postecoglou would be an intriguing choice to replace Southgate, who was widely criticised for his cautious tactics.

However, the 58-year-old stressed that his attention remains on Spurs, who opened their pre-season with a 5-1 win at Scottish Premiership side Hearts on July 17.

“I am at the start of pre-season and I am the Tottenham manager, so I have got nothing else (on my mind) but trying to bring success to this football club,” the Australian said.

“Until I do that, there is no point in me thinking about anything else. I had a nap this afternoon, so I have no idea what is going on (with the speculation).”

Postecoglou coached Australia from 2013 to 2017 – taking them to the 2014 World Cup – and twice won the Scottish Premiership with Celtic before moving to Tottenham in 2023.

Asked if he would consider a return to an international job, he said: “I enjoyed my time (with Australia). We won the Asia Cup and qualified for the World Cup, but there is always a natural end, and it was a natural end for me there.

“I loved coaching the national team. In the future, who knows? Five years ago I was in Japan, and now I am in the Premier League.”

Meanwhile, Potter refused to confirm if he would be willing to take the England job after a disappointing spell with Chelsea. The 49-year-old has been out of the game since his sacking by the Blues in April 2023 after less than seven months in charge.

Quizzed on July 18 about his interest in succeeding Southgate, Potter told the BBC: “I don’t think today is the day to speak about that.

“I think Gareth has done a fantastic job. I don’t think there’s anybody in the country who is more respected in football than Gareth. I have a huge respect for him. Today is the day to wish him a nice break, and I wish him well whatever he does in the next part of his career.”

Should the FA decide to stick with an Englishman, Potter could see himself as a strong candidate, while the same can be said for Howe.

The Magpies boss had previously admitted that he would like to manage England before he retires.

“Would that (managing England) be something I would like to do at some stage of my career? Yes,” he said.

“But I’m quite laid-back about it because I believe what will be, will be. If it’s meant to happen for me, it will – if not, it won’t.”

Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales, however, has said that the club are determined to keep the 46-year-old.

“We’re on an exciting journey and, as far as we’re concerned, Eddie is the man to lead us on that,” he said on July 17.

“For us, he’s exactly the right man for the project we are on at Newcastle United and that is why we are committed to a long-term deal with him.”

Pochettino and Tuchel have not spoken directly regarding the England job, but British media reported that they would both be keen if offered the role.

Tuchel, in particular, had said in the past that he “loved it at Chelsea and in England”.

The Three Lions’ first match after Euro 2024 comes on Sept 7 when they face the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League.

The FA could appoint Carsley as an interim manager if they have not found a permanent successor to Southgate by then. AFP