England next manager: Mauricio Pochettino 'emerging as leading candidate' but FA face appointment problem

England next manager: Mauricio Pochettino is emerging as the 'leading candidate' to replace Gareth Southgate

PA
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 08/08/2024

- 08:54

The Argentine is currently available following his departure from Chelsea earlier this summer

Mauricio Pochettino is emerging as the 'leading candidate' to become the next manager of England, according to reports.

The Three Lions are currently looking for a replacement for Gareth Southgate, who resigned from his post as manager following his side's failure to win Euro 2024.


England made the final of the competition in Germany but lost 2-1 to Spain, with Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal netting either side of a terrific goal from Cole Palmer.

The FA are set to let Lee Carsley take charge of the national side on an interim basis for upcoming Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

England next manager Mauricio Pochettino

England next manager: Mauricio Pochettino is emerging as the 'leading candidate' to replace Gareth Southgate

PA

Eddie Howe has long been considered the frontrunner to replace Southgate, though the 46-year-old has made it clear he's committed to Newcastle.

And the i say Pochettino is now the 'leading candidate' to take charge of England.

The Argentine is currently available, having left Chelsea by mutual consent earlier this summer.

Frustrated that the Blues wouldn't renew his contract, and that he wouldn't have a big say in recruitment, Pochettino agreed to have his deal terminated at Stamford Bridge.

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The report says Mark Bullingham, the chief executive of the FA, will be allowed to interview foreign candidates for the role.

England have hired two bosses from overseas in the past, with Sven Goran-Eriksson and Fabio Capello appointed in 2000 and 2008 respectively.

Should the FA go down the foreign route, they want somebody with a 'strong affinity to England'.

Pochettino fits the bill, having had spells at Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea throughout his managerial career so far.

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There is, however, a problem when it comes to potentially giving the 52-year-old the keys to Wembley.

Other countries are interested in bringing Pochettino in, with the United States apparently considering a move.

And there are clubs who would jump at the chance to appoint the Argentine as well, giving the FA a problem.

Pochettino is thought to be open to taking the England job and replacing Southgate, whose next move isn't currently known.

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England next manager Lee Carsley

England next manager: Lee Carsley is set to take charge of the team on an interim basis

PA

He was linked with Manchester United earlier in the summer but the Red Devils have since opted to stick with Erik ten Hag following their FA Cup final win over Manchester City in May.

Southgate could become a pundit, with the BBC reportedly drawing up plans to put him on Match of the Day.

Whether he'd go for that remains to be seen, however, with Gary Lineker critical of the 53-year-old throughout the course of the recent European Championships.

ITV are also rumoured to be keen on acquiring Southgate's services as a pundit.

England next manager Gareth Southgate

England next manager: Gareth Southgate recently stepped down from his position following the Three Lions' failure to win Euro 2024

PA

For now, however, he remains out of work.

Other foreign candidates for the England job include Thomas Tuchel and Joachim Low, with both Germans currently on the market.

Jurgen Klopp has shut down talk of a swift return to management, while Pep Guardiola could end up extending his stay at Manchester City - with his current deal at the Etihad Stadium due to expire next year.

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