England should look to hire Mauricio Pochettino as the next national team manager if Gareth Southgate leaves the role, former Three Lions boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has said.
The Swede, 74, does not believe the FA will want to hire a non-English boss but a lack of alternative candidates may force their hand towards the “fantastic” ex-Tottenham manager.
“I could imagine Mauricio Pochettino as the manager of England,” he told OLBG.
“When he was with Tottenham, he did a great job, I still don’t understand why he was sacked. The football that his players play under him is fantastic, too.
“Gareth Southgate will have a big decision on his hands, he will feel if the FA and, most importantly, the players are behind him. If you don’t have the backing of the players then it’s a very difficult situation.
“Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel are two very good names, but I hope England keep Southgate for another two years, why not keep him?
“England will always want an English manager in charge, it's in their blood. We foreign managers who have been in that job always were criticised for not being English. If I was the FA, my number one priority would be to keep Southgate, because I don't know what English manager would be available to take over.”
Southgate is set to review his future after the Three Lions were knocked out of the World Cup quarter-finals by reigning champions France. During the tournament, Argentine coach Pochettino declared his interest in the role.
“Of course, my relationship with England has always been very good,” he told The Athletic.
“We have a very good relationship with the academies, trying to develop young players for the national team. I feel so comfortable here. You never know what happens. I am open to everything.”
