England are gearing up for their 2022 World Cup quarter-final against reigning champions France this weekend - but plenty of questions remain over Gareth Southgate’s future.
Since becoming Three Lions manager in November 2016, Southgate has led England to a World Cup semi-final, third-place in the Nations League and a European Championship final. Despite extending his contract last year, doubts remain over his future beyond the tournament in Qatar.
Following six years in the job, Mirror Football takes at the most likely candidates to become the next England manager, should Southgate decide to depart - wherever England finish in the Middle East.
Mauricio Pochettino
Former Southampton, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino is at the top of the list for most likely candidates to take over from Southgate as the next England manager.
The Argentine, who is regarded as one of the best managers in Europe in recent years, has been out of a job since parting ways with PSG in July, despite winning the Ligue 1 title in his final campaign with the French giants.
And although he admitted to The Athletic his fears of being labelled a “traitor” in his homeland should he take on the England role, Pochettino revealed that he is “open” to succeeding Southgate as Three Lions manager as recently as last month.
Who would you choose to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Brendan Rodgers
Leicester manager and former Liverpool and Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is a surprise early front runner to take over from Southgate, in what would be his first role in international management.
The Northern Irishman has gained plenty of respect for guiding the Foxes to FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs last year, as well as achieving consecutive fifth-place finishes to earn them Europa League football in 2020/21 and 2021/22.
As a result of his tenure with the Foxes, and having previously admitted that he wants to manage at international level at some point during his career, Rodgers has become one of the favourites to succeed Southgate with the Three Lions within the past year.
Thomas Tuchel
The favourite to become the next England manager for many, Thomas Tuchel is also in the running to take over from Southgate, should he depart the Three Lions, in what would be his first job back in management since being sacked by Chelsea in September.
Despite his German nationality, it has been reported that Tuchel is keen on taking over as England’s next manager after the 2022 World Cup if the vacancy becomes available, while he has already turned down a number of job offers as he waits for a dream role he believes could become available in early 2023.
That could well be with England should Southgate leave after the World Cup, which would enable him to reunite with former Chelsea stars Reece James, Ben Chilwell, and Mason Mount. Furthermore, Tuchel has also said that he would consider managing a team that has "the potential to win the World Cup and the Euros".
Next manager odds
Next England manager odds from SkyBet
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Mauricio Pochettino - 4/1
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Brendan Rodgers - 6/1
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Thomas Tuchel - 7/1
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Eddie Howe - 9/1
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Graham Potter - 12/1
*odds subject to change
