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.
