FA Faces Tough Task Replacing Gareth Southgate After Euro 2024 Final Defeat

Posted : 17 July 2024

Gareth Southgate's resignation as England manager following their painful Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain has left the Football Association with the challenging task of finding a suitable successor.

Southgate, who led the national team for eight years, stated it was "time for change and for a new chapter" when he stepped down on Tuesday. His departure has initiated a critical search for a new leader to guide England's quest for their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

The FA had hoped Southgate would extend his tenure beyond his existing contract, which was set to expire in December. However, his decision to resign has forced the governing body into a difficult succession process, ideally to be resolved before England's Nations League match against the Republic of Ireland on September 7.

As FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and his advisors consider potential candidates, they face a daunting list of names, each with their own set of challenges and question marks about their suitability for what Graham Taylor once dubbed "the impossible job."

Leading contenders for the position include Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and a trio of former Chelsea managers: Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter, and Thomas Tuchel. Potter, despite being the early bookmakers' favorite, saw his reputation take a hit after a short and troubled spell at Chelsea.

Tuchel, while a Champions League winner with Chelsea, has his own set of challenges, including recent struggles with Bayern Munich and potential reservations from the English fanbase. Pochettino's strong relationship with England captain Harry Kane is a plus, but his failure to secure the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain remains a significant blemish.

Adding to the pressure, England faces a potentially challenging qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup. Relegated to Nations League B, they will not be top-seeded in the World Cup qualifying stage, facing the possibility of tough matches against top teams like Spain, Germany, France, or Portugal.

In the interim, former Everton midfielder Lee Carsley, currently England's under-21 coach, is considered a potential short-term solution. Whoever takes on the role will be expected to succeed where Southgate ultimately fell short, delivering the major trophy that has eluded England for 58 years.

FA Faces Tough Task Replacing Gareth Southgate After Euro 2024 Final Defeat

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