14 Candidates to Replace Gareth Southgate as England Manager [Ranked]

11. Pep Guardiola

Current Job: Manchester City

The Manchester City boss appears on this list as a potential target for the FA if Gareth Southgate steps down after Euro 2024. The timing could align well, given Pep Guardiola's contract at the Etihad expires in 2025.

Securing Guardiola would be a monumental coup for England, offering a fascinating prospect of innovative tactics and the potential for nurturing Ballon d'Or winners. However, it remains uncertain if the 53-year-old would be interested in the role. That said, he might be open to a new challenge, and international football is an area he has yet to conquer as a manager.

10. Frank Lampard

Current Job: None

After an average spell with Derby County, Frank Lampard was quickly promoted to the Chelsea manager's job. His tenure at Stamford Bridge, where he had once shone as a player, did not go well. However, he managed to secure the Everton job next, initially helping the Toffees avoid relegation. Unfortunately, his success was short-lived, and he was fired the following season with just three wins from 20 Premier League games.

Remarkably, Lampard was given a second chance at Chelsea, this time to stabilize the team after Graham Potter's disappointing run. This stint was even worse than his first, with Chelsea crashing out of the Champions League and finishing 12th in the Premier League. Despite this track record, Lampard is still considered an outside candidate for the England manager's job, even though he has yet to prove himself as a top-tier coach.

9. Sarina Wiegman

Current Job: England

Sarina Wiegman has had an outstanding career in international football. Before leading the England Women's team, she won the UEFA Women's Championship with the Netherlands in 2017 and was a runner-up with them at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. Remarkably, she replicated this success with the Lionesses, winning the 2022 Euros and narrowly missing out on the World Cup the following year.

Given her achievements, Wiegman would undoubtedly be a strong and exciting candidate to replace Gareth Southgate. Her existing relationship with the FA could also facilitate a smooth transition. However, it would be presumptuous to assume she would want to switch from women's football to the men's game, which is why she isn't considered a more likely option on this list.

8. Gary O'Neil

Current Job: Wolverhampton Wanderers

Gary O'Neil has emerged as a notable figure in this discussion, owing to his impressive work at Bournemouth and Wolves in the Premier League. As a former midfielder, he guided Bournemouth to safety against all expectations in the 2022/23 season before facing an unexpected dismissal.

Undeterred, O'Neil swiftly returned to management with Wolves, a team also grappling with relegation fears. However, his astute leadership ensured they secured a comfortable mid-table position, avoiding any threat of demotion to the Championship.

7. Roberto Mancini

Current Job: Saudi Arabia

The FA will be seeking a manager with experience both in England and on the international stage. Roberto Mancini fits this criterion perfectly, having won the Premier League with Manchester City and leading Italy to victory in EURO 2020, notably defeating England at Wembley in the final.

While his failure to qualify Italy for the 2022 World Cup is a blemish, the 59-year-old remains a compelling candidate. Currently, Mancini has taken on the role of head coach for Saudi Arabia's national team. However, there have been reports suggesting he may not be entirely satisfied there, as evidenced by his early exit during a penalty shootout that ended their Asia Cup campaign.

6. Steven Gerrard

Current Job: Al-Ettifaq

Similar to Lampard, Steven Gerrard had a stellar career as a Premier League footballer but has struggled to replicate that success as a manager. The Liverpool legend's tenure at Aston Villa lasted just 11 months, culminating in his dismissal after a string of poor results that included six defeats in 11 league games.

His final season saw Villa win only two out of 12 Premier League matches, and his shortcomings were highlighted further when Unai Emery, his successor, managed to secure European qualification by the end of the campaign. Gerrard has since taken up a role with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq, where he hasn't made a significant impression.

Despite his managerial challenges, Gerrard's illustrious playing career suggests he shouldn't be entirely discounted as a potential future England manager.

5. Thomas Tuchel

Current Job: None

Similar to Klopp, Thomas Tuchel is among the high-profile European managers who departed their club at the end of the 2023/24 season. His tenure at Bayern Munich didn't meet all expectations, although he did secure the Bundesliga title, showcasing his managerial prowess.

Notably, Tuchel achieved a Champions League victory with Chelsea, underscoring his ability in high-stakes matches. His familiarity with English football and success in knockout competitions make him an ideal candidate to succeed Southgate. Reports even suggested his interest in the England job following his departure from Stamford Bridge, suggesting his appointment could be a mutually beneficial move.

4. Mauricio Pochettino

Current Job: None

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has long been considered a potential future England coach. The Argentine, currently without a job, stands as one of the top managers available, presenting an opportune moment for the FA to consider him for the role. Known for his adeptness in man-management, akin to Southgate, Pochettino brings a strong case to lead the national team.

In a 2022 interview with The Athletic, Pochettino expressed openness to coaching an international team like England, highlighting his positive relationship with the country. He stated, "Of course, my relationship with England has always been very good," and added, "You never know what happens. I am open to everything."

3. Eddie Howe

Current Job: Newcastle United

Eddie Howe's journey from guiding Bournemouth out of League Two to prominence in the Premier League sparked discussions about his potential as England's national team manager. His tenure at Newcastle United has also bolstered his managerial credentials.

However, amidst Newcastle's new financial backing from the Saudi Public Investment Fund, there's a perception they might favor a more high-profile manager in the future. Howe's challenging season in 2023/24 further complicates his standing. Should Amanda Staveley and company decide to part ways with the 46-year-old, he could emerge as a leading candidate for the England managerial role.

2. Lee Carsley

Current Job: England U21s

Lee Carsley, despite his tenure as a Republic of Ireland international with 40 caps between 1997 and 2008, is currently revered for his achievements in England. Notably, the 50-year-old led the nation's youth to glory by winning the Euro U21 tournament in 2023.

Given Gareth Southgate's progression from managing the England U21 team to the senior role in 2016, there's precedent for such a promotion. It wouldn't be surprising if the FA attempted to replicate this success. With some of those victorious youngsters poised to join the senior squad, it could prove a strategic move for England's future.

1. Graham Potter

Current Job: None

Out of all the candidates currently under consideration, Graham Potter stands out as the most likely individual to be appointed to the England managerial role. While his stint at Chelsea was marred by significant turmoil at the club, it's unfair to attribute all responsibility to him.

Potter's journey from modest beginnings to impressing at Ostersund and Swansea City, and subsequently establishing himself at Brighton, where he gained recognition as one of the most promising young coaches globally, speaks volumes. At just 49 years old, he has accumulated valuable experience, including lessons learned from his time at Stamford Bridge.

Moreover, his calm and measured demeanor in dealing with the media suggests he would seamlessly fit into the role vacated by Southgate.