England manager Gareth Southgate’s future has been a topic of discussion, and Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have thrown their hat in the ring for a potential successor. Here’s who they think will become the new England manager.
Southgate has steered the Three Lions to a Euro 2024 semi-final after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Switzerland in Düsseldorf. They now face the Netherlands for a place in the final, which would be their second consecutive European Championship final if they can pull it off.
While England’s performances haven’t exactly set the world alight, they’ve done what matters most in knockout football: grinded out results. However, if they don’t go all the way and win the Euros, Southgate’s position could come under scrutiny, especially considering his comments before the tournament.
The former Crystal Palace captain acknowledged that Euro 2024 could be his swan song, his last chance to lift silverware with England. He went on to say,
“I know that you can’t keep standing in front of the public and saying, ‘Please do a little more’, because at some point people will lose faith in your message.
“If we want to be a big team, and I want to be a top coach, then you have to deliver in the big moments.”
Linekar and Richards Predict the Next England Manager?
On the latest episode of their podcast, The Rest is Football, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards, fresh off commentating on England’s clash with Switzerland for the BBC, have weighed in on who should replace Gareth Southgate when he eventually steps down.
Interestingly, their choice for the job is none other than England hero Frank Lampard, who shared the BBC punditry sofa with them this weekend.
Lampard’s been out of the dugout since getting the boot from Everton in January last year. He previously managed Chelsea and Derby County.
There’s been talk of him taking the reins at Burnley, Rangers, and Birmingham, but he’s yet to land his next managerial gig.
Lineker explained why he fancies Lampard as the new England manager.
“I think he’s been a bit unlucky in his managerial career in some ways.
“He gets it tactically, and he’s Frank Lampard.
“I think this is Gareth Southgate’s last tournament whatever, whether we win it or not. But I wouldn’t disregard Frank [to replace him].
“I think players would respect him immensely. If you’re going to go English, who else? Eddie Howe?”
“You know what I really enjoyed about tonight’s game? Frank’s analysis pre-game,” Richards
“We normally have around a minute and a half, two minutes maximum if it’s really something detailed. But Frank’s analysis was about three minutes and I was glued to it.
“You can tell he’s got something. He’s articulate, the way he explains points. You can tell there’s a manager there inside of him.”
Who is the Favourite to Become the New England Manager?
The bookies currently have their eyes on two frontrunners to take the reins of the Three Lions if Gareth Southgate decides to call it a day.
The odds favour former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter, known for his innovative tactics and ability to develop young players. Hot on his heels is Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe, who’s transformed the Magpies’ fortunes since taking over, guiding them from relegation worries to European competition.
However, the race for the England hotseat isn’t a two-horse race. Mauricio Pochettino, a former Premier League manager with Tottenham Hotspur, is also a contender.
His experience and attacking style of play could be attractive to the FA. Meanwhile, England U21 manager Lee Carsley shouldn’t be discounted. His success with the youth setup could see him viewed as a potential long-term option, especially if the FA wants to build a team for the future.
