England add another name to next manager shortlist as three 'favourites' emerge to replace Gareth Southgate
England next manager: Gareth Southgate quit his job after his side failed to win Euro 2024
REUTERS
England have added Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna to their shortlist of potential replacements for Gareth Southgate, according to reports.
The FA are currently on the hunt for a replacement for the 53-year-old, who opted to resign after his side lost 2-1 to Spain in the final of Euro 2024 earlier this month.
Southgate chose to pursue a new challenge after eight years in the role, with the former Middlesbrough boss being tipped to become a pundit for the BBC alongside Gary Lineker.
As things stand, it is unclear who the FA will opt for as they look to bring in a man who can finally land a major trophy.
England next manager: Gareth Southgate quit his job after his side failed to win Euro 2024
REUTERS
According to The Sun, however, Ipswich boss McKenna is on the FA's radar - despite any possible appointment looking tricky at the current moment in time.
It's claimed FA technical director John McDermott is a huge fan of McKenna, having previously worked with the 38-year-old at Tottenham.
McKenna was head of coaching and development at the club and impressed in his role before leaving for Manchester United in 2018.
He has since worked wonders at Ipswich, guiding the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions during his time at Portman Road.
United, Chelsea and Brighton were all linked with McKenna earlier this summer.
But he ended up signing a new contract with Ipswich and is hoping to keep his team in the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The report says that while McKenna is admired, there are currently three 'favourites' for the role.
Eddie Howe is one, though Newcastle are determined to keep the 46-year-old as they look to improve on last season's seventh-placed finish.
Graham Potter is another, with the former Chelsea boss keen on a return to management after losing his job at Stamford Bridge in April last year.
And Lee Carsley is also name in the frame to take over, having guided England to glory at the Under-21 European Championships in 2023.
If a new manager isn't in place by the time England face Ireland in the Nations League on September 7, Carsley will likely take interim charge of the team.
Meanwhile, speaking recently, Harry Maguire defended Southgate after pundits were critical of the 53-year-old during Euro 2024.
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England next manager: Kieran McKenna has been added to the FA's shortlist of potential Gareth Southgate replacements
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“[Criticism] was a bit ridiculous. Yes, performances might not have been amazing but it is tournament football," he told BBC Sport.
"It is not as expansive. There are far less risks taken.
"You can’t afford to make mistakes or get caught going out in a full press. You saw throughout the tournament there were not many high-scoring wins.
“I just don’t know what the media or fans expected of this team.
England next manager: Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are among the favourites to take over from Gareth Southgate
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"Was it to go and beat Serbia 4-0 in the first game and then beat Denmark 3-0?
"Did they think it was just going to be a walk in the park?”