Graham Ruthven | Who could realistically replace Gareth Southgate as England manager?

THE FA have a decision to make on the future of the England national team. The Three Lions suffered an exit from the 2022 World Cup at the hands of France on Saturday and Gareth Southgate himself admitted he will take some time to consider his next step, adding to the sense a parting of ways could occur.

Some argue that would be best for England. Southgate might be the national team’s most successful manager since Sir Alf Ramsey, but the Three Lions have lost to almost every high-calibre opponent they have faced under the 52-year-old’s stewardship. Could another manager do an even better job? Here are five potential candidates to succeed Southgate.

If Gareth Southgate leaves, who do you want to be the next England manager? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/6yhk0uB8la

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) December 13, 2022

Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard’s sacking by Aston Villa in October lowered his stock as a manager, but the former midfielder still has something to offer. His background as a former England captain would give him status in the Wembley dressing room while his conservative coaching approach could work well in tournament football.

However, if Southgate’s critics argue his style of play is dull and fails to get the best out of England’s attackers, they are unlikely to be satisfied by Gerrard’s tactics. Aston Villa were extremely blunt in the final third with Gerrard in charge and England could be just as dull under his control.

 

Mauricio Pochettino

Out of work since the end of last season, Mauricio Pochettino would be one of the most attractive options for England should Southgate depart. The Argentine would be the Three Lions’ first foreign manager since Fabio Capello, but Pochettino is more popular with players than the Italian even was.

Pochettino’s teams are known for playing an attractive brand of attacking football. What’s more, Harry Kane already has a relationship with the 50-year-old after working together at Tottenham Hotspur. However, Pochettino’s hands-on approach might be better suited to club football. He will surely receive an offer from a Premier League club at some point in the near future.

 

Brendan Rodgers

Not so long ago, Brendan Rodgers’ time at Leicester City looked as good as over. The Northern Irishman has since turned the Foxes’ fortunes around and could be on the shortlist for the England job should Southgate move on. There’s good reason to believe Rodgers would be a suitable candidate for the position.

Rodgers is an advocate of possession-based football. He is also known for his man-management skills and would surely relish the status that would come with being a figurehead for English football. The 49-year-old would refresh the England squad for Euro 2024 at the very least – Rodgers isn’t known for having the longest shelf life as a coach.

Would you like to see Gareth Southgate continue as England manager? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/orxqU0mZVS

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) December 12, 2022

Thomas Tuchel

Chelsea’s decision to sack Thomas Tuchel earlier this season came as something of a surprise given all that the German coach had achieved at the club. Tuchel has been linked with the England job in the past and is believed to be open to the idea of managing the Three Lions. This is surely a tantalising prospect for The FA.

Tuchel is an elite level coach. His appointment would be a statement of intent for England, but his team’s aren’t exactly renowned for playing the sort of free-flowing, attacking football national team supporters desire. England might be successful under Tuchel, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they would be more entertaining to watch.

 

Sarina Wiegman

England enjoyed success at Women’s Euro 2022 as Sarina Wiegman guided the Lionesses to glory. The Dutch coach has earned herself a reputation as the best international manager in the women’s game and would surely be mentioned as a candidate to take over from Southgate should the opportunity arise.

Wiegman is a sharp tactician and is capable of making in-game changes to change the flow of a match, as demonstrated by her substitutions at the Euros earlier this year. The 53-year-old exudes calmness on the touchline and commands respect from her players. There’s no good reason for Wiegman’s name not to be on the shortlist.