Who Could Replace Gareth Southgate as England Manager
This page expands on the initial report covering Gareth Southgate’s departure and the early betting markets for his successor.
Content below complements the original article and includes impartial analysis, bookmaker context and responsible betting guidance for UK readers aged 18 and over.
Original coverage of Southgate’s departure and odds
After just short of eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate finally stepped down as England boss on Tuesday.
Following on from Sunday’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, Southgate leaves his post without a major trophy but can boast being the only steward to have led his country a final on foreign soil.
Not only that, but after his own penalty turmoil at Euro ’96, the outgoing England boss has transformed the Three Lions from the spot, whilst failing just once in four attempts to reach the last four of a major tournament.
With three semi-finals under the belt, Southgate’s record which will take some beating, but who will be give the thankless task of taking the reins?
Potter tipped
For the moment, the most likely candidate to fill sizeable shoes is Graham Potter.
A somewhat forgotten figure after leaving Chelsea with tail between legs, the former Brighton boss become such hot property in the Chelsea boardroom because of his success at the AMEX Stadium.
Out of a job since April of last year, Potter molded the Seagulls into the same top 10 Premier League team they are today, with a particular emphasis on defence.
Given charge of arguably the most talented England squad in history, could Potter endure the inevitable pressure that would come his way?
His responsibilities will be on a far less regular basis though and that could suit down to the ground, at 5/2 with William Hill.
Howe, Carsley considerations
From a perspective of English contenders, the other main candidates look to be Lee Carsley and Eddie Howe.
In the case of Carsley, the former Everton full-back would an easy choice in continuing to promote from within, not least having led the U21s to a first European Championship title since 1984.
Meanwhile, Howe, though of course tied to the Newcastle post for now, the lure of managing his country could be one difficult to turn down.
The other more recent development on Tyneside has been the departure of part-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, which could signal a restructure at all levels of the club.
So perhaps, this may be the perfect time to part ways?
With the Magpies having dropped out the Champions League places, the pressure will be hot from the start of the campaign and early slip-ups will have Howe under fire.
Currently 3/1 with SpreadEx, Howe odds are though beginning to shorten significantly.
Poch leads outsiders
Of the less likely appointments to replace Southgate, former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp may seem a good fit for the post, but looks a distant prospect.
Thomas Tuchel could be a candidate given his time with Chelsea, but a man who has closely worked with the Football Association during his lengthy time in England, Mauricio Pochettino fits the bill.
Unfairly ousted in west London, the Argentine made a name for himself in the north of the capital, turning Tottenham into Champions League finalists, with a reputation for honing youth talent.
In those terms, taking charge of England’s current crop would suit Poch down to the ground, but would the FA go back to recruiting a foreign coach given the success of Southgate’s promotion through the youth set-up?
Without doubt, Pochettino would be a popular pick amongst England fans with his attacking approach, and having already managed at Wembley as Spurs’ temporary home, at 11/1 with Betfred, Poch’s value could tumble.
Assessment of likely managerial candidates and betting context
Bookmakers react quickly after major announcements and early odds reflect both public sentiment and perceived FA intentions.
Odds movements offer a snapshot of market thinking rather than a forecast, and any consideration of prices should be done responsibly by UK customers aged 18 or over.
Why Graham Potter is being linked to the England job
Potter’s Brighton work earned plaudits for structure and player development, traits the FA often prize after a long-term youth pathway strategy.
The international calendar would reduce day-to-day club pressures, and that role profile can appeal to managers who prioritise tactical planning over week-to-week league management.
Eddie Howe and the Newcastle situation affecting odds
Howe’s reputation has been rebuilt at Newcastle despite recent turbulence, and his ability to manage big personalities is seen as an asset for the national role.
Club obligations and boardroom changes could influence his availability, which is reflected in the shorter but changing market prices.
Lee Carsley and the case for internal continuity
Promoting from within would maintain continuity with the youth setup and reward a coach who delivered at U21 level.
Carsley’s appointment would signal trust in the FA’s development pipeline, and that fits a long-term strategic approach rather than a short-term fix.
Mauricio Pochettino’s appeal and potential drawbacks
Pochettino’s track record with young players and high-intensity football aligns with England’s current squad strengths and supporter preferences.
Questions around language, cultural fit and a foreign appointment versus homegrown promotion remain central to the FA’s eventual decision.
Tactical fit: preferred formations and player types
England now possess a mixture of athletic and technical players, which narrows the tactical setups likely to succeed at international level.
Managers who can adapt a core identity while harnessing player strengths will be better placed to deliver consistent tournament performances.
Squad management and rotation in tournament football
International tournament success often comes down to squad balance and the manager’s ability to rotate without losing cohesion.
Experience of managing condensed schedules and knockout scenarios is therefore a valued attribute for the FA.
Experience versus potential: what the FA may prioritise
The FA will weigh immediate tournament readiness against a longer-term developmental plan that nurtures the next generation of senior internationals.
That choice influences whether the next boss is drawn from experienced continental names or promising domestic figures.
How bettors and followers should interpret the odds responsibly
Odds offer an expression of probability and market sentiment, not a guarantee of outcome, and should be used for entertainment by those aged 18+.
You can explore bookmaker comparisons through our tools if you choose to bet responsibly and within a budget you can afford to lose.
Factors that move markets after a managerial vacancy
Market moves respond to leaks, media speculation, agent activity and insider signals, so early prices can be volatile and misleading.
Prudent customers treat early markets as provisional and wait for clearer signals from official FA timelines or firm interviews.
How to use bookmaker comparisons when checking odds
Comparing prices, terms and welcome offers across regulated UK bookmakers helps you find better value without chasing unrealistic gains.
Always check stake requirements and minimum odds for any promotional bets and be mindful of responsible gambling advice.
Timeline and likely process the FA will follow
The FA will typically appoint an interim structure or open a formal recruitment process that considers technical criteria, cultural fit and public relations.
That process can take weeks rather than days, and patience allows clearer odds and less speculative market exposure.
Practical considerations for supporters and media coverage
Fan sentiment, media narratives and player preferences all shape the perceived suitability of candidates and will influence public debate.
Balanced coverage should assess managerial records, style and long-term fit rather than personality-driven headlines.
What a new manager must deliver to be judged successful
Delivering clear identity, consistent selection policies and credible tournament performance will be the core measures of success for the next England manager.
Long-term development and integration of young players will be assessed alongside immediate results.
Interim solutions: who could stabilise immediately
Interim appointments often come from the existing coaching staff or respected domestic managers who can steady the squad during a recruitment process.
Such solutions are pragmatic and reduce disruption ahead of qualifying campaigns or pre-tournament friendlies.
Fan expectations and managing public pressure
The England job carries intense scrutiny and managing fan expectations is part of the role, including clear communication on squad policy and style.
The FA will seek a figure capable of handling media pressure while maintaining internal unity.
Responsible gambling message and next steps
This site is intended for readers aged 18 and over and aims to inform rather than promote reckless wagering.
If you choose to use betting markets as a way to engage with the managerial story, please do so responsibly and seek help if betting stops being fun.
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Frequently asked questions about the England manager vacancy
Could Graham Potter actually accept the England job now?
Potter remains on many shortlists because of his Premier League work, but any decision will depend on conversations with the FA and his own career objectives.
Is Eddie Howe likely to leave Newcastle for the national role?
Howe’s availability will hinge on his Newcastle situation and whether both club and manager see a change as practical; markets reflect that uncertainty.
Would Mauricio Pochettino be a popular choice with supporters?
Pochettino would likely be welcomed for his attacking style and youth development record, though the FA must consider homegrown promotion arguments too.
How do bookmakers set the initial odds after a managerial resignation?
Bookmakers combine public sentiment, insider tips and probability models to set early prices, which then adjust as money and information flow in.
Should I use odds to predict the FA’s final choice?
Odds are informative but not definitive; they reflect market views rather than FA decisions, so treat them as one of several reference points.
What are the key qualities the FA usually look for in a national coach?
The FA typically values tactical acumen, the ability to develop young players, tournament experience and cultural fit with the England setup.
Where can I compare bookmaker offers and free bets safely?
Our comparison pages list regulated UK bookmakers and their welcome offers for new customers; always read terms and gamble within your means (18+).
Who should I contact if I have a gambling problem?
If gambling causes harm, organisations such as GamCare and NHS services in the UK offer confidential support and tools to manage betting behaviour (18+).





