Gareth Southgate steps down: Who will England choose as the new national coach?

Gareth Southgate has announced the end of his tenure as England's national team coach after leading the team to the final of the 2024 European Championship, where they were defeated 2-1 by Spain. During his time as coach, Southgate celebrated several highlights – reaching the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the finals of the 2020 and 2024 European Championships are noteworthy. However, the final step to the first major title for England since 1966 always eluded him. Now that Southgate's era has come to an end, the question arises: who will succeed him? Our experts have examined potential candidates, assessed their suitability for the job, and analyzed the possible reactions and chances. Pep Guardiola is considered an ideal candidate, as he could leverage his tactical expertise and experience in English football. England has already moved away from the tradition of appointing only English coaches, and Guardiola might comfortably establish a base in London while frequently visiting his family in Barcelona. Tactically, he fits well, but the cultural gap with a more open, chaotic football style could be a hurdle. Jürgen Klopp, who officially announced a twelve-month hiatus after his departure from Liverpool, is also under discussion. His dynamic, high-risk strategy could bring fresh energy to England's team. However, given his recent activities in Mainz and Mallorca, it would be surprising if he ended his break prematurely. Mauricio Pochettino, available after his separation from Chelsea, has already expressed interest in coaching the English national team one day. His intense, pressing style could be valuable, but his defensive stability is debatable. Despite his past failures, he would be a remarkable choice. Graham Potter, still searching for a job, has a successful history of developing young talent, which could benefit the current young English squad. However, his brief, less successful stint at Chelsea raises questions about his ability to handle high pressure. Eddie Howe, the coach behind Newcastle's resurgence, could also be an attractive candidate. His aggressive style has proven successful, yet he has publicly stated that he is currently focused on his club commitments. Thomas Tuchel, currently without a contract, undoubtedly possesses tactical acumen, but his often brief tenures at previous clubs and his public behavior could be drawbacks. Lee Carsley, the current coach of England's U21 team, would be the easiest choice from an internal perspective. His tactical flexibility is evident through his work with the U21 team, but public interest in this selection might be low. Sarina Wiegman, successful coach of the women's national team, has recently extended her contract and seems fully committed to the continued development of the Lionesses. Thomas Frank, coach of Brentford, has made a name for himself through his tactical versatility and success at a smaller club. Although not among the prominent top managers, he would be a solid choice. Frank Lampard, with a mixed managerial career, would likely be enthusiastic due to his close ties to the national team. England's football world faces an exciting decision-making process to find the ideal successor for Gareth Southgate.