While England might have stormed their way to a 3-1 victory away at British rivals Scotland on Tuesday night, it is no secret that Gareth Southgate has once again seen his position come under increasing scrutiny this month.
With the Three Lions eventually forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Ukraine last weekend as they dropped their first European Championship qualifying points, Southgate’s squad selection has been a major talking point over the past fortnight.
Controversially electing to call up the likes of Jordan Henderson, Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips for this month’s international break, Southgate and his often pragmatic approach haven’t endeared him to some sections of the England fanbase.
With the Three Lions’ current superstar crop now billed as a ‘golden generation’, The Daily Mail reported earlier in the month that next year’s European Championships could be his last hurrah.
Despite batting off continued speculation over his long-term future, we have taken a look at the three bookmakers’ favourites to potentially replace Southgate.
Eddie Howe
Embarking on what has been a famous rise since they welcomed Eddie Howe to St. James’ Park back in January of last year, Newcastle are certainly in the midst of a real fairytale in the north east.
While the Magpies might have opened up the 2023/24 campaign by mustering just a single win from their first four Premier League appearances, they do have a stunning Champions League return fast approaching.
Cruising their way to a top-four finish last season and securing their highest Premier League finish in almost two decades, Howe has rightfully revived a string of plaudits for the job that he has done at St. James.
Only continuing to skyrocket their way up the table and also reaching last season’s EFL Cup final, the former Bournemouth boss has also brought a new attacking philosophy back to the north east.
Previously seen as a potential candidate before Southgate took charge back in 2016, many would be excited to see what Howe could produce with England’s current crop.
Eddie Howe to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager 6/1 with
Graham Potter
Enduring what was a nightmare tenure at Stamford Bridge after making the move from Brighton back in September of last year, Graham Potter is yet to take up a new challenge since leaving Chelsea.
Losing 11 of his 31 Premier League appearances after replacing Thomas Tuchel in SW6, Potter is now looking to rebuild his reputation after being sacked by Chelsea just eight months after arriving.
However, really gaining a host of plaudits during his time with Brighton, the 42-year-old has made it clear that he is waiting for the perfect opportunity to come his way before he makes a return to the dugout.
Reportedly rejecting approaches from both Lyon and Rangers over the past week, it appears that Potter still has plenty of admirers among the FA’s hierarchy.
While many would be surprised to see the ex-Swansea boss make his return by taking up England’s leading role, Potter does find himself priced among the leading contenders.
Graham Potter to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager 15/2 with
Pep Guardiola
Along with The Daily Mail reporting earlier in the month that Southgate has eyed next year’s European Championships as the perfect time to step down from his role, that same report suggests that the FA are lining up what would be a stunning replacement.
Making even more history with Manchester City last season as they became the first English club since 1999 to be crowned tremble champions, Pep Guardiola has certainly cemented his spot as one of the greatest managers of the modern era.
Guiding the Premier League giants to domestic success in five of the past six campaigns, the one-time Barcelona boss has also previously stated that he would be interested in taking up an international position somewhere down the line.
Now in his seventh season at the helm in the blue half of Manchester, Guardiola’s potential arrival as England boss would undoubtedly be regarded as one of the biggest coups in English football history.
While some sections of England fans might feel that it is best the FA to appoint one of their homegrown coaches to replace Southgate, there is no doubt that Guardiola would get the best out of this current superstar squad.
Pep Guardiola to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager 9/1 with
