England are looking for a new manager following the departure of Gareth Southgate, whose final game in charge saw the Three Lions lose to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
Now the attention has turned to what comes next for the national side. Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are among the favourites to take over the role but several other managers are also being linked to the post.
Here is what some of those being touted as possible contenders have said about the job and their chances of managing at international level…
Graham Potter
The former Brighton and Chelsea boss was quizzed about being linked to the England job after being awarded an honorary doctorate at Leeds Beckett University but would not be drawn on the reports, though says he is ready for a return to management.
“Today is not the day to speak about that,” he told Sky Sports.
“I’m proud of the job Gareth Southgate did. As an Englishman in football, I don’t think there’s anybody who has more respect than he has, how he conducted himself, him and his staff, qualifying for tournaments, going deep into tournaments, getting the country behind the team, he’s done an amazing job.
“I’d like to wish him well, I hope he has a nice break, and wish him well for whatever he decides to do next.”
Potter has been linked with several jobs since leaving Chelsea last year including Ajax, his former club Brighton, and Leicester City among others, but says his next step has to be the right one for him.
“I spoke to a few clubs but it wasn’t the right thing. It was important I was patient and waited for the right opportunity and took the time with the family to reflect and think about what I wanted to do.
“Now I’m in that good place where I’m happy to be ready and looking forward to the next challenge.
“I feel really ready, really excited to be back when the right opportunity comes.”
Eddie Howe
The Sun are reporting that in a book due out next month, the Newcastle boss revealed his dream to one day coach the national side.
“Would that be something I would like to do at some stage of my career? Yes!” he reportedly says in Cheers to 50 Years… On the Sporting Frontline.
“But I’m quite laid-back about it because I’m a believer that what will be, will be. If it’s meant to happen for me it will — if not, it won’t.
“I’m a huge fan of Gareth’s, he’s done brilliant things for England.”
Ange Postecoglou
The Telegraph say Postecoglou is on the FA’s list of candidates to replace Gareth Southgate but the Tottenham boss was left surprised by the links when asked about them after Spurs’ first pre-season friendly.
“I’m in the middle of… the start of pre-season,” he told Sky Sports following the win over Hearts.
“I’m the Tottenham manager, and I’ve got nothing else but trying to bring success to this football club.
“Until I do that, there’s no point in me thinking about anything else. I had a nap this afternoon, mate, so I have no idea what’s going on.”
Pep Guardiola
The Manchester City boss has a year remaining on his current deal with the club and could decide to walk away at the end of next season, with the FA reportedly willing to wait for the Spaniard if he is willing to take the job.
Back in 2018, Guardiola said he would one day like to manage at a World Cup:
“I would like to play a World Cup and a European Championship,” he said. “I would like to live that situation. When I see the World Cup, I think I would like to be there. I had just one chance to do it as a player.
“In eight, 12, 14 years maybe it could happen. It’s just a dream I have as a manager and a person. Maybe it happens, maybe it doesn’t.”
Mauricio Pochettino
Former Chelsea, Spurs and PSG manager Pochettino is another being touted as a contender for the England job and discussed whether he would be interested in international management back in 2022.
He told Sky Sports: “It wasn’t under my consideration but now I am open, why not?
“Of course we are still young, full of energy, day by day I like the adrenaline of being involved.
“Maybe the national team is a different job but yes, why not? If it is not next, maybe in the future.”
Asked if it would have to be his own country Argentina, Pochettino added: “No, it is not what I want, only Argentina, another country, why not?”
FEATURED IMAGE: STU FORSTER/GETTY IMAGES VIA ONE FOOTBALL
