Southgate could walk away after England were knocked out of the World Cup by France.
The English FA have four managers in mind to replace Gareth Southgate should he exit his role as national team manager, according to reports.
Southgate is under contract until 2024 but is said to be weighing up his next move after France knocked the Three Lions out of the World Cup in Qatar at the quarter-finals stage.
The 52-year-old has been the country’s national team manager since 2016. He helped England reach the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, where they lost on penalties to Italy at Wembley.
According to The Telegraph, should Southgate step down, the English FA have four names on a shortlist to replace him. They include:
- Brendan Rodgers.
- Mauricio Pochettino
- Thomas Tuchel.
- Steve Holland.
Leicester City manager Rodgers reportedly has admirers in the English FA. The Northern Irishman is known for his team’s attractive style of play and, like Southgate, he is an excellent communicator and adept at dealing with the media. The former Liverpool and Celtic manager, however, could be out of the FA’s price range as they would have to pay £8m to get him out of his contract with the Foxes.
Former Tottenham manager Pochettino is out of work after leaving Paris Saint-Germain last summer but is considered one of the game’s elite coaches. The Argentine has worked successfully with English players at Spurs and helped England captain Harry Kane develop into a world-class striker. Pochettino is reportedly interested in taking the role should Southgate leave.
Former Chelsea manager Tuchel is also out of work, and reportedly interested in the England post. The German is one of the most tactically astute coaches in Europe and helped Chelsea win the Champions League after just a few months in the job.
While current England assistant manager Holland is highly regarded as a coach and would be seen as a continuity choice should Southgate walk away. The association, however, reportedly hope Southgate remains in his role.
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