While Gareth Southgate remains the leading candidate to guide England towards the 2026 World Cup, the FA must consider potential successors if he decides to step down. Here are some of the top contenders:
1. Graham Potter
Profile:
- Age: 49
- Previous Roles: Ostersund, Swansea City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea
Strengths:
- Known for his tactical flexibility and detailed coaching.
- Successfully managed lower-profile teams with limited resources, making a significant impact at Brighton.
- His experience in varied environments, including Sweden, adds a unique perspective to his coaching style.
Concerns:
- His tenure at Chelsea was underwhelming, raising questions about his ability to handle high-pressure situations and elite squads.
- Needs to prove he can manage the intense scrutiny of the England job.
Current Status: Available, with a high interest in a return to top-tier management.
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2. Mauricio Pochettino
Profile:
- Age: 52
- Previous Roles: Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea
Strengths:
- High-profile manager with a proven track record in developing young talents.
- Familiar with English football and has built strong relationships with key players like Harry Kane.
- Experience managing in top European leagues and handling big names.
Concerns:
- Despite his reputation, his trophy haul is modest, with only one league title and one domestic cup at PSG.
- The transition from club to international management could present challenges.
Current Status: Available, having recently left Chelsea.
3. Eddie Howe
Profile:
- Age: 46
- Current Role: Newcastle United Manager
Strengths:
- Consistently high-performing English manager, leading Newcastle to the Champions League.
- Known for transforming players and teams, demonstrating tactical adaptability.
- Experienced in the Premier League, showing resilience and strategic acumen.
Concerns:
- Currently employed at Newcastle, making him less immediately available.
- Reluctant to engage in political and controversial issues, which may be required in the national role.
4. Lee Carsley
Profile:
- Age: 50
- Current Role: England U21 Manager
Strengths:
- Extensive experience with England’s youth setup, familiar with the emerging talents.
- Successful tenure with the U21s, winning the European Championship.
- Known for building strong team chemistry and promoting young players.
Concerns:
- Lack of senior team management experience.
- Less recognizable to the wider public and might be seen as an uninspiring choice.
5. Thomas Frank
Profile:
- Age: 50
- Current Role: Brentford Manager
Strengths:
- Versatile and adaptable, proven in both the Championship and Premier League.
- Experience with national teams, having worked with Denmark’s youth setups.
- Respected for his tactical intelligence and player loyalty.
Concerns:
- Currently rising in club football, might be hesitant to switch to international management.
- Less experienced with managing elite players compared to other candidates.
Conclusion
While Gareth Southgate is still the prime candidate to lead England towards the 2026 World Cup, the FA has several viable options should he decide to step down. Each candidate brings unique strengths and potential drawbacks, making the decision complex. Potter’s tactical flexibility, Pochettino’s player development, Howe’s Premier League success, Carsley’s youth integration, and Frank’s versatility all present compelling cases for the role. The FA will need to weigh these factors carefully to ensure England continues on its path to potential glory.
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