Gareth Southgate took charge of the England national football team in 2016 during a period of profound disappointment. Nearly eight years later, he leaves having restored belief in a disheartened nation.
Southgate’s tenure, which concluded with his 102nd match in the Euro 2024 final, has been one of notable success, making him the most successful England manager in recent history.
Southgate’s legacy is defined by his ability to unify a talented generation of English players, achieving feats that his predecessors could not. Under his leadership, England reached consecutive European Championship finals, a remarkable accomplishment. Although he fell short of winning the final hurdle, his impact on English football is indelible.
The summers of 2018, 2021, and 2024 will be remembered fondly by fans, solidifying his place in English sporting history. Recognizing that it was time for a change, Southgate’s departure marks a significant moment for the Football Association (FA), which now faces the task of finding his successor.
Several candidates are being considered for the role. One potential choice is Lee Carsley, currently the coach of England’s Under-21 team. The FA could follow Spain’s example, where Luis de la Fuente transitioned from coaching the Under-19 and Under-21 teams to leading the senior squad to Euro 2024 victory.
Carsley’s experience in senior management is limited to caretaker roles, but his success with the Under-21s, whom he led to a European Championship title in 2023, makes him a viable candidate. While his appointment might seem uninspiring, it is seen as a sensible option due to his familiarity with the young talent coming through the ranks.
Another candidate is Graham Potter, whose reputation suffered after a difficult spell at Chelsea. Despite several offers from abroad, the former Brighton manager has remained without a job since leaving Stamford Bridge in April 2023.
Potter’s ability to improve his squad’s collective potential through progressive coaching earned him the Chelsea job, but he struggled to manage the big names in west London.
As the national team coach, Potter could introduce a more attractive style of football, but concerns remain about his ability to maintain the squad harmony cultivated by Southgate. His tactical flexibility, however, suits the international game well.
The FA may be hesitant to hire a non-English manager following their experience with Fabio Capello, but foreign candidates like Mauricio Pochettino are also in the running. Pochettino, who recently left Chelsea after an indifferent debut season, is a likable coach with a strong Premier League track record at Southampton and Tottenham.
At Spurs, Pochettino developed a young, exciting team into title contenders, similar to Southgate’s work with England. He restored belief among once-apathetic supporters and brought the team close to glory. Pochettino’s ability to work with England’s talented generation is promising, but there are doubts about his ability to deliver incritical moments.
