Who will the FA appoint as new England Head Coach to replace Gareth Southgate ?
by Ian John | by Yunchu Li
Two days after England lost a second successive European Championship Final, Gareth Southgate resigned as head coach of the Three Lions. Since then, the Football Association has been working to try and appoint his successor. But almost a month later, and with England’s next set of Nations League fixtures looming on the horizon, still nobody has been appointed to the role. The reticence from potential candidates is understandable.
Perennial under-achievers at European and World level, England have enjoyed their most successful eight-year spell under Southgate since they won the World Cup under Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966.
The new coach would have to guide England to a major trophy to improve on the outgoing Southgate. Even with England's talented group of players, that is a daunting prospect. Several names linked to the post have distanced themselves from the position. Eddie Howe at Newcastle United has confirmed he remains committed to the club and that the FA has not contacted him.
Similarly, Jurgen Klopp, who left Liverpool at the end of last season, has also moved recently to distance himself from the role, after he was strongly backed in the days after Southgate’s resignation. So, who may the FA consider for the post? There seem to be just a few realistic contenders.
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Who are the F.A. Considering to be the Next England Head Coach?
Some of the more realistic contenders for the post are:
- Lee Carsley (England U21 head coach) – current 2/1 favourite
Given the success of Southgate, who moved up from coaching the England u21 team, Lee Carsley is the new favourite with the bookmakers. The ex-Derby County and Everton midfielder does not have an extensive head-coaching career. But, he has led England u21’s to success in the European Championships. He would certainly be a safe pick for the F.A. but not the pick that would likely excite England fans.
- Graham Potter (former Brighton & Chelsea manager) – 3/1
Graham Potter’s CV as a head coach at Ostersunds FK, Swansea, Brighton and Chelsea is solid, although his spell at Chelsea was underwhelming. The style of football he played and tactical knowledge make him an attractive option, as is the fact he is currently out of work. But does he have the experience and personality to work with and improve England’s top players?
- Eddie Howe (current Newcastle United manager) – 7/2
The Newcastle boss remains a genuine contender, despite stating that he was committed to the project at Newcastle. He worked miracles at Bournemouth and has done very well at Newcastle, but he has not won a major trophy.
But there are a couple of outsiders that could be a surprising, but exciting appointment.
Steve Cooper (66/1) led England U17’s to World Cup success, but he has not long been appointed as Leicester manager. Rafa Benitez is out of work and a 100/1 shot, but the Spaniard has all the experience the FA would want and has plenty of experience with England’s top players from his time with Liverpool, Newcastle, Chelsea and Everton.
With Nations League action in September, the FA will need to appoint Southgate’s replacement sooner rather than later. To keep updated and place the most accurate bets, don't hesitate to visit our Nations League predictions page with our specialists' advices!
