CHELSEA boss Graham Potter is seen as “the obvious long-term successor” to England manager Gareth Southgate, according to reports.
Potter, 47, was given the Chelsea job after working wonders with Brighton in the last three years.
Respected journalist Henry Winter claimed before Potter’s Stamford Bridge appointment that he was in pole position to replace Southgate, 52, in the England hot seat.
Earlier this year Winter wrote in The Times: “The Brighton and Hove Albion head coach is viewed by some around the England camp as Gareth Southgate’s obvious long-term successor and his popularity at the FA will have been enhanced by the way he set up his team tactically to negate Tottenham Hotspur’s strengths.”
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has also been tipped for the role in the past.
Potter, who has a Master’s degree in leadership and emotional intelligence, began his managerial career at Swedish minnows Ostersunds.
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He won three promotions in five seasons, followed by a first major trophy and a spot in the Europa League.
Potter then spent two years at Swansea before taking over at Brighton in 2019, leading the Seagulls to a ninth-place Premier League finish last season.
His steady progression caught the eye of Blues owner Todd Boehly, who swooper for Potter last month after sacking Thomas Tuchel.
While Potter’s eyes are now on a long-term project with Chelsea, last November he spoke about his England ambitions.
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Potter admitted: “If you’re looking at international football and you’re an Englishman, then of course it’s the pinnacle.
“You can see the Champions League and club football is also a pinnacle.”
Southgate meanwhile recently admitted he will face the sack if England struggle at the World Cup, which gets underway next month.
His current deal runs until after Euro 2024, but Southgate confessed a disastrous campaign in Qatar could be the end for him.
Southgate said last month: “Ultimately, I will be judged on what happens at the World Cup.
“Contracts are irrelevant as managers can have three, four or five-year deals but you accept that if results are not good enough, it is time to go your separate ways.
“Why would I be any different? I am not arrogant enough to think my contract is going to protect me in any way.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
