Who could replace Gareth Southgate as England manager?

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 5 min read

Gareth Southgate has hinted he could leave his role as England manager after his side were knocked out of the 2022 World Cup by France.

Southgate, who has overseen England’s best tournament performances since the World Cup win in 1966, has a contract until after Euro 2024 but admitted he will assess whether he will call time on his six-year spell in charge.

“These tournaments take a lot out of you, and I need time to reflect. We've done that after every tournament and that's the right thing to do,” Southgate said.

"I don't want to be four, five months down the line thinking I've made the wrong call. It's too important for everybody to get that wrong."

With a potential changing of the guard on the horizon, FootballTransfers looks at the leading names in with a chance of succeeding Southgate as England manager.

OPTIONS: Why Thomas Tuchel could replace Southgate

Mauricio Pochettino

England have only ever had two non-British managers at the helm and the prospect of an Argentine coach leading the country may be uneasy for some supporters.

However, on paper, Mauricio Pochettino appears to be a standout candidate, given his history of player development and implementing a high-pressing, attacking style of football.

The former Tottenham coach has been out of work since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in the summer and has already admitted he would be ‘open’ to the idea of managing England.

INTEREST: Pochettino 'open' to replacing Southgate

Thomas Tuchel

If the idea of an Argentine manager is uncomfortable to certain fans, the thought of a German coach in charge of England may be an even further step too far for those supporters.

But if England are looking for an elite coach with a proven track record of winning titles and improving players, Thomas Tuchel would arguably be the best option out there if he is interested in pursuing international management.

Tuchel is keen to remain in England after being sacked by Chelsea in September and is considered the frontrunner for the job according to German outlet Bild.

Brendan Rodgers

Having been admired for a long time by England technical director John McDermott, who will be in charge of recommending Southgate’s successor, Brendan Rodgers would bring a good balance of tactical nous and familiarity with English football and its culture.

The Leicester boss has continued to grow as a manager during his career and favours a possession style of play, as well as adapting formations and training methods to suit his players.

But, like the other coaches on the list, the Northern Irish Rodgers could be a controversial choice given England’s political history with the nation, while his wages and the compensation due to Leicester could be a stumbling block

Steve Holland

With seemingly a shortage of English coaches available, several sources have indicated that England assistant manager Steve Holland is being considered by the FA as a potential replacement for Southgate.

Aside from a two-year spell as Chelsea Reserves manager and a short stint at Crewe Alexandra, Holland has never managed before and would be an inexperienced choice for the job.

However, given the progress made under Southgate, keeping things similar by hiring Holland would allow England to continue on their path while also providing a fresh outlook as manager.

Graham Potter

Chelsea only hired Graham Potter as Tuchel’s replacement three months ago but the ex-Brighton boss has been under pressure after a mixed start to his career at Stamford Bridge.

Potter is still seen as one of the best young English coaches in the game, having stepped up since beginning his career managing in the fourth tier of Sweden.

With Chelsea allegedly uncertain over his future, England could offer Potter a quick and smooth exit, albeit on the back of essentially failing to handle the pressure of a big role, a trait which could come back to haunt him at international tournaments.

Outside chances

While the previous names are believed to be the choices being considered by the FA as potential replacements for Southgate, there are still other options that could be of note to England.

Eddie Howe would be a top target given his impressive spell at Newcastle but he has already indicated he is not interested in leaving the Magpies, while former England stars such as Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney are interesting, yet unlikely targets.

One man who would undoubtedly be entertaining at the very least – perhaps more so off the pitch than on – would be Jose Mourinho, though the Portuguese manager appears happy at Roma, meaning England will be hoping for one of the interested candidates to bring the country into the post-Southgate era.