Gareth Southgate stands down, who’s next for the England hot seat?

LONDON – The search for the next England manager kicked off on July 16 with plenty of names and no shortage of speculation about who might replace Gareth Southgate in one of the hottest seats in football.

Southgate, in charge since 2016, announced his departure less than 48 hours after England’s second successive European Championship final defeat, this time a shattering 2-1 loss to Spain in Berlin on July 14. He also led the Three Lions to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

Southgate, 53, said in a statement on July 16: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.

“But it’s time for change and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.

“I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three ions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.”

The news came as no great surprise and turned the spotlight immediately to the future, and whether England should look for another home-grown replacement or seek a standout successor from further afield.

“The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible,” said Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham in a statement.

“Our Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.

“We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until we appoint.”

The next manager will need broad shoulders to carry the burden of expectation and weight of history, with England’s men’s team still seeking a first major title since winning the 1966 World Cup on home soil.

English Premier League experience will likely be required, as will the man-management skills of being able to develop and maintain a team spirit and culture while withstanding intense personal criticism.

If as expected the FA go for another Englishman, then Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, former Chelsea boss Graham Potter and current England Under-21 coach Lee Carsley look like the immediate front runners.

Southgate was also U-21 coach and started out as an interim solution before getting the job full-time, and Carsley could fit into that scenario.

Potter has been without a club since being sacked by Chelsea in 2023, while Howe would likely have to take a pay cut.

“Over the years we’ve had every different type of manager; the fashionable, international managers, the best English managers, we’ve had Gareth who’s been through the ranks with younger teams,” former England defender Gary Neville told Sky Sports television.

“Where England go next I don’t know. There are some obvious contenders, I think Graham Potter will get mentioned and Eddie Howe will get mentioned.

“I think it will definitely be an English manager... to actually appoint an international manager would be wrong. We need to develop an English coach.”

Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, stellar England players with less successful managerial careers, look well down the list of prospects.

Bookmakers added some international glitter, and a touch of fantasy, with odds on former Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino; Thomas Tuchel, who is also a former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss; and former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Other names included former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, whose Manchester City contract ends in 2025.

Former England striker Gary Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast: “Maybe it’s time for somebody else with a more modern, attacking style of football. I think the game has gone away from being successful if you’re defensive.

“Do you go English? There’s only really Eddie Howe... But wouldn’t you go all out for Jurgen Klopp?”

William Hill were even offering odds on 74-year-old Arsene Wenger (100-1), Jurgen Klinsmann (150-1) and Sam Allardyce (200-1), while England’s Dutch women’s manager Sarina Wiegman at 50-1. REUTERS