GARETH SOUTHGATE’s tenure as England manager has come to an end after he sensationally quit his post – with EIGHT top gaffers being lined up as his replacement.
The 53-year-old guided the Three Lions to their second successive Euros final against Spain earlier this month.
But his troops failed to end the nation’s 58-year-long wait for silverware, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Spain in last Sunday’s final in Berlin.
Southgate endured a rollercoaster Euro 2024, facing criticism for performances in the early stages before being lauded for the team’s improvement and his brilliant substitutions in his side’s last-gasp semi-final win over the Netherlands last Wednesday.
Now, eight years and 102 games after accepting the job, he has parted ways with the national team – as exclusively revealed by SunSport.
Southgate hinted he could step down after the tournament before a ball had even been kicked.
Read More on England
And he seemingly doubled down on that notion in his post-match interview, saying: “I think England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they’ve got now.
“The age of the squad.
“Most of this squad are going to be around not only for the World Cup but the next Euros as well.
“There’s a lot to look forward to but this moment is not any consolation.”
Most read in Euro 2024
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Next England manager odds
- Graham Potter – Evens
- Eddie Howe – 3/1
- Mauricio Pochettino – 4/1
- Lee Carsley – 10/1
- Frank Lampard – 10/1
- Jurgen Klopp – 10/1
- Pep Guardiola – 16/1
FA chiefs were desperate to keep Southgate on board for another two years, at least, so he can see England through to the World Cup in 2026.
But the former Three Lions defender previously insisted he does not want to outstay his welcome and has now walked away from the job.
Southgate posted an emotional statement on the FA website, saying: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.
“But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.
“I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.
“I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.
“I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.
Maybe Kane really is cursed as trophy drought goes on… he may never get a better chance with England
IT now seems as though he really is cursed. Along with the rest of us, writes Charlie Wyett.
Tragically, unbelievably, Harry Kane’s agonising search for a trophy still continues and you know have to wonder whether he will ever actually manage it.
Certainly for England, in any case.
Kane has now suffered defeat in three major club finals and two finals of the European Championships.
Last night, the Three Lions captain was so ineffective that he was replaced by Ollie Watkins just after the hour.
Like much of this tournament, he really struggled to make the impact when England needed him, not that he had much service.
He had one shot in the first half and that was Rodri, who subsequently injured himself and went off at the break.
When Cole Palmer struck that brilliant equaliser, Kane was off on his feet from the bench, only for the national team to get another kick in the bo**ocks at the end.
Kane was substituted in both the games against Switzerland and Holland which England went on to win but on this occasion, he could only witness a gut-wrenching twist just when it looked as though Gareth Southgate’s team had dug their way out of trouble.
The Bayern Munich striker suffered the World Cup 2018 semi-final loss against Croatia, endured heartbreak against Italy in the Euro2020 final and then missed from the spot in the World Cup 2022 quarter-final against France.
He really thought that this was his time, even though England did not play well in Germany.
Kane will know that he will have more opportunities with England. But not many more.
The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico seems a long way away and it will surely be under a new manager. Will England be better than they are now? Probably not.
And we are all left to wonder how much better England would have been with a fit and firing Kane at his very best.
Read the full verdict on the curse of Harry Kane…
Or check out all of Charlie Wyett’s Euro 2024 stories…
“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.
“I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change.”
Winning a major trophy would have been the perfect way for Southgate to end a whirlwind spell at the England helm.
But who could replace him should he make the decision to walk away? Well, look no further as SunSport is on hand with eight potential candidates to replace The Three Lions boss.
Thomas Tuchel
The former Chelsea boss loved his brief time in the Premier League.
And SunSport can exclusively reveal Tuchel has already thrown his hat into the ring to replace Southgate.
The German is a tactical beast, masterminding Chelsea’s famous Champions League win against all odds in 2021.
Tuchel knows how to get the best out of the players he is given, making him ideal for an international set-up.
And captain Harry Kane would welcome him to the fold, having netted 44 goals under Tuchel during his debut season at Bayern Munich.
Things didn’t work out well for the gaffer in Bavaria.
But his work at Chelsea speaks for itself, and his desire to take the job makes him one of the strongest candidates available.
Graham Potter
Potter has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in April 2023.
The ex-Blues boss has been approached by the likes of Lyon, Ajax and Leicester since then but turned down each proposal.
And now Michael Owen has tipped him to be the next England manager.
Owen told CSGOLuck: “There is not an outstanding candidate to take over if Southgate goes. I personally am of the opinion that we should stick to an English manager, that’s what international football is about.
“In fact I would almost go as far as to say there should be a rule change. You are playing for your country, the players are going to be from that country.
“In club football, you can have any player or coach from any country but I think when you’re playing for your country it should be Scottish managers, Scottish players and Scottish physios.
“That’s the point. Same with France. That’s the point of international football.
“It’s not a rule but I would have that principle and would like England to have an English manager. I think possibly the one manager free and available is Graham Potter, who may take it.”
Eddie Howe
Howe is also a name regularly linked with the England job.
However, he appears to be happy at Newcastle as things stand.
Reports last year claimed he would rule himself out of contention if the job came up.
But with co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi set to leave St James’ Park, he could potentially change his mind.
Lee Carsley
The former Ireland midfielder is currently head coach of England’s U21s.
He led his team to the U21 European Championship title last summer, becoming the first England boss to do so at that level.
Carsley subsequently rejected a job offer from the Republic of Ireland to remain in his position.
But reports now claim the FA will consider him as Southgate’s successor.
Frank Lampard
Gary Lineker tipped the Chelsea legend to take over from Southgate last week.
He said: “There’s no question about that. I think he’s been a bit unlucky in his managerial career in some ways. He gets it tactically.
“I think this will be Gareth Southgate’s last tournament whatever happens. If he wins I think he’ll absolutely bow out and if he doesn’t then I think he’ll bow out. It will be his decision.
“But, I wouldn’t disregard Frank Lampard [as Southgate’s replacement]. I think he tactically gets it. I think the players would respect him immediately.”
Lampard has managed Derby, Chelsea and Everton so far in his career, recording 83 wins, 73 defeats and 40 draws from 196 games.
Mauricio Pochettino
Poch stunned fans when he left Chelsea by mutual consent in May.
The 52-year-old had spent just 11 months at Stamford Bridge and enjoyed a promising end to the 2023-24 campaign, but club officials agreed that one season at the helm was enough.
He was then understood to be in line to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, but the Red Devils stuck with the Dutchman.
Pochettino now remains jobless, but agreed a £10million pay-off with the Blues last month meaning he could be in contention for the England job if it came up.
Pep Guardiola
Reports last year suggested the FA had earmarked Guardiola to replace Southgate when he steps down.
The Spaniard’s appointment is considered a “dream” by some FA chiefs.
However, he still has one year remaining on his Manchester City contract.
If England are prepared to appoint an interim boss until then, Guardiola could be an ideal candidate.
Jurgen Klopp
Klopp is currently enjoying some time away from football following his Liverpool departure.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
He allegedly rejected an approach from the USA national team earlier this week.
However, the German could be tempted by the England job should it come up having won over English fans and players during his time at Anfield.
England ratings: Palmer the super sub but captain Kane struggles yet again in Spain heartbreak
COLE PALMER came off the bench to be England’s star man – but his heroics were unable to stop heartbreak against Spain, writes Tom Barclay.
Mikel Oyarzabal struck a late dagger through the hearts of the Three Lions to seal a 2-1 Spanish victory.
And that ensured that 58 years of hurt will go on.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated each England player in the crushing defeat:
Jordan Pickford: 8
Carefully controlled a blast of a backpass from John Stones on his line in the first half. Could do little to stop Williams’ opener but made two terrific stops to deny Yamal, only for Oyarzabal to poke home at the death.
Kyle Walker: 6
Had his hands full with Williams but managed the Spanish livewire pretty well but could not get near his powerful opener.
John Stones: 8
A colossus again as he played every single minute of this Euros, despite lack of Manchester City game-time. Superb block on early Williams shot, was often in the right place at the right time and at one point dribbled all the way up the pitch.
Marc Guehi: 6
Solid alongside Stones and overall it has been a brilliant first tournament for the Crystal Palace star. But Oyarzabal nicked in front of him for the winner.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Most consistent attacker for England across the tournament and had a good battle with pantomime villain Marc Cucurella here. It was his cross that Bellingham laid off for Palmer to work his magic.
Declan Rice: 7
Went past his boss Gareth Southgate’s cap haul by winning his 58th here and he is still only 25. Was in the thick of it in the midfield battle throughout.
Kobbie Mainoo: 5
Just 19 and starting a major final for England in the middle of midfield. Fewer bursts forward though than in recent games as his side struggled for possession and was subbed for Palmer as Southgate searched for a leveller.
Luke Shaw: 7
Looked so sharp for a player making his first start since Luton away on February 10, winning his battle against Lamine Yamal in the first half. But Yamal got the better of him after the break to tee up Williams’ opener.
Phil Foden: 6
Out of possession it was his job to man-mark Manchester City colleague Rodri, until the Spanish maestro went off injured at half-time. Had a half-chance just before the break but could not beat Unai Simon.
Jude Bellingham: 7
Shunted wide left when England did not have the ball – which was a lot of the time. Riskily flew into a few tackles, but it was his clever lay-off that teed up Palmer.
Harry Kane: 4
His lack of involvement was summed up by England fans calling for Ollie Watkins in the 57th minute. They got their wish on the hour.
SUBS:
Ollie Watkins: 6
Semi-final hero was introduced far earlier here to get some legs in behind, though he did not have too much impact this time.
Cole Palmer: 9
What an impact after emerging with just twenty minutes to go. Yet another of Southgate’s subs paid off handsomely as Palmer curled a peach of an equaliser with 17 minutes remaining, sending most of the Olympiastadion potty.
Ivan Toney: 6
Thrown on right at the end but could not make an impact.
Gareth Southgate: 7
The game was a chess match for the first half and Southgate was never going to go early with his bold moves.
His subs were excellent to be fair, with Palmer brilliantly getting his team back into it.
Critics will say England did not play attacking enough but Spain are one hell of a side – and Southgate’s men pushed them all the way.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
