Following England’s heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, long-time manager Gareth Southgate resigned from his position after a glittering eight-year stint. The 53-year-old took the Three Lions back to heights they hadn’t seen in decades, reaching consecutive European Championship finals and a FIFA World Cup semifinal. However, despite that, he still received waves of abuse both from fans and pundits for his perceived negative tactics – abuse he clearly felt he could no longer take, so he duly stepped aside.
Now, attention has turned to what’s next. The immediate favourites for the job are all English, with current Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe, former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and current U21 coach Lee Carsley the three early frontrunners. But a look further down the betting odds list shows several other intriguing possibilities, none of whom are English.
The FA has appointed foreign managers in the past, with Sven-Göran Eriksson and Fabio Capello both sitting in the hot seat with differing levels of success. The international gap across the world of football has shrunk significantly in recent times, so would it be that much of a surprise if the powers that be looked overseas for the next England manager? And if so, will it be one of these two icons? Sports as a whole has seen a lot of excitement lately, so let’s get into some further detail here.
Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp is a man who has made a career out of extracting the very best out of very little. At Borussia Dortmund, he transformed a squad full of budget buys into the best team in Germany, leading the North Rhine Westphalia side to back-to-back Bundesliga crowns in 2011 and 2012. At Liverpool, the maverick German inherited a poor squad and with some shrewd acquisitions, turned the Reds into a powerhouse, leading them to the Champions League and a first Premier League title in nearly three decades in the process.
His transformative impact at Anfield in particular was nothing short of remarkable. His philosophy of “heavy metal” football, characterized by high pressing and intense energy, has resonated well with fans and players alike, something which wasn’t the case with Southgate’s pragmatic approach in charge of the Three Lions. Plus, his ability to develop young talent is another factor making him an appealing choice for the vacant post.
Over the years, he has nurtured young stars such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliot. And it’s his ability to get the best out of the former of that duo that could make him even more appealing to the FA. There can be no denying the Liverpool fullback’s natural ability, but Southgate didn’t know how to get him into his team, trying him in central midfield in a failed experiment before dropping him onto the bench, simply preferring Kyle Walker at right back.
Now, with Walker at the age of 34 and international retirement surely just around the corner, Alexander-Arnold will likely become the first choice at right back. Add to that the current wealth of young prospects like Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bukayo Saka, and Klopp’s knack for youth development could be pivotal.
But it’s the German gaffer’s charismatic personality and excellent man-management skills that could put him head and shoulders above the rest of the candidates, with his ability to foster a positive team environment and galvanize the squad proving crucial. His infectious enthusiasm and ability to create a cohesive unit could play a crucial role in guiding England to their first major tournament win since 1966.
Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola’s managerial career is adorned with silverware and tactical innovations. The Catalonian boss has revolutionized football since taking his first managerial job at his beloved Barcelona back in the summer of 2008, and he has gone on to become arguably the greatest manager that’s ever lived. Having won league titles in Spain, Germany, and England, his credentials are impeccable.
At Manchester City, he has revolutionized English football with his possession-based style and meticulous attention to detail. He has led the Blues to four consecutive Premier League trophies, something never before accomplished in the top flight, and the latest online sports betting odds make his side the +130 favourites to make it five in a row next season. Guardiola’s tactical genius could offer England a new dimension, something that they have been sorely lacking in recent tournaments, despite making deep runs.
Guardiola’s winning mentality and relentless pursuit of perfection would take the Three Lions to a new level, while his tactical genius is something that the current set-up has been sorely missing in their quest to get over the line for the first time in nearly 60 years. But there are two main reasons why Guardiola taking the job might not be as far-fetched as it initially seems.
First, the former Brescia man has hinted that he may very well leave Manchester City at the end of the current campaign, seeking a new challenge. Another is that he does not consider himself Spanish and he has stated that he would not manage the Spanish team, instead being a staunch advocate for Catalonian independence. So, with no split loyalties, could Guardiola actually take over at Wembley and lead England to the promised land?
