Jurgen Klopp and Graham Potter are options to become the next England manager (Image: GETTY)
England’s Euro 2024 final heartbreak was officially Gareth Southgate’s last match as manager. Southgate resigned from his post earlier today in the aftermath of the defeat to Spain. The FA had already been drawing up their options before the 53-year-old confirmed his decision to end an eight-year stint in charge of the Three Lions. And the Express Sport team have picked who they’d like to see replace Southgate after he walked away…
It’s an appointment so obvious even the FA shouldn’t be able to blunder it… Graham Potter has to be the next England manager. Gareth Southgate leaves with his head held high and is deservedly dubbed one of England’s best-ever bosses. And it would be foolish to rip it up and start over. That’s what’s happened when previous England managers have been sacked and it doesn’t need to happen again. With Potter, it’s a continuation of the same in a way, but with a manager who should provide a much-needed fresh outlook on proceedings.
Tom Parsons: Jurgen Klopp
Hats off to Southgate for his culture shift during his tenure, but England fans won’t accept that style of football anymore. Step forward Jurgen Klopp, who revolutionised an underperforming Liverpool team after taking charge at Anfield. Klopp will make the England players believe they can finally break their tournament curse. And he will get them playing their best football in years. Imagine the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden being given the licence to actually cause the damage they’re capable of. It’s a mouthwatering prospect isn’t it.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is another contender to be the next England boss (Image: GETTY)
Sticking with Gareth Southgate would be my preferred option, but presuming he calls it a day, Eddie Howe should be next in line. The 46-year-old has bags of experience, plays an attractive brand of football, boasts a superb track record, and you get the feeling he would be a popular appointment. Howe has been linked with the England job for years and now feels like the natural time for the Newcastle United manager to have a crack.
Fraser Watson: Jurgen Klopp
If England fans really do crave more excitement, more positivity, and a manager capable of utilising attacking talent, then there's only one obvious candidate currently available. Jurgen Klopp is out of work after leaving Liverpool, and after citing the intensity of club football as the main factor in him stepping down, a fresh challenge with a reduced schedule will surely appeal. Forget the arguments over the necessity for an English coach - Klopp knows the country, and the players, as well as anyone. It would be nigh-on negligent for the FA not to make an offer.
Joe Krishnan: Graham Potter
I think the last eight years show we don't need to hire a foreign manager because there are some talented English coaches around. That rules out Tuchel, Klopp (he'd never take it) and Pochettino. I'm not sure people would take too kindly to someone like Michael Carrick because he's not managed in the Premier League, while Frank Lampard and Steve Gerrard have their own shortcomings. The door is open for Eddie Howe and Graham Potter, but in terms of availability, the latter's tactical nous + nurturing hand for talented youngsters aligns well with England's ambitions.
Trending
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Archie Griggs: Jurgen Klopp
England need a world-class head coach to lead them into a new era and there are few better options than Klopp. He would be the first German manager in their history, which might upset a few, but his tactical know-how in addition to his popularity with players would revitalise the Three Lions ahead of the next World Cup. The former Liverpool boss has already turned down the USA job but could be tempted by the chance to manage England, which would present an entirely new challenge after spending the entirety of his career at club level.
Sam Smith: Graham Potter
Potter is not too dissimilar to Southgate. He's a calm presence, a sound man-manager, a meticulous coach and a cool head in pressurised situations. Potter would provide continuity from the Southgate era while putting his own ideas into practice. A more progressive playing style will be received well by fans and won't come at the cost of results. It is easy to see why the FA might want Lee Carsley, the U21 coach who led that age group to a European Championship triumph last year - incidentally beating Spain in the final. But Potter is the man to take England further.
Jack McEachen: Graham Potter
England already have the necessary talent, Gareth Southgate has left behind one of the most impressive squads international football has ever seen and the FA will not be short of offers to succeed him. A head coach who wants to play on the front foot and won't compromise on their principles can not only lead the Three Lions to glory and go one step further than Southgate, but dominate the competition, starting at the 2026 World Cup. Potter has shown at Brighton that under his tutelage, his teams can play bright and inventive football. And with an abundance of quality available, the likes of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham could thrive in Potter's system.