Gareth Southgate did not want to comment on his future as England's head coach immediately after the lost European Championship final. The 53-year-old former international left it unclear whether he will continue until the 2026 World Cup. However, Gary Lineker believes that the English Football Association should part ways with Southgate.
Southgate has been serving as England's head coach for nearly eight years, initially appointed as an interim coach due to a scandal involving Sam Allardyce.
Eventually, the former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough player stayed on and led England to fourth place in the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2021. On Sunday, The Three Lions were in the final again, but it went wrong once more; this time against Spain.
At the post-match press conference, Southgate was asked if he would continue as head coach. He couldn't answer that question so soon after the defeat against Spain. "It's difficult to reflect on that now, so soon after a loss like this. No one has ever managed to lead England to two consecutive finals, but we came here to win. I understand the question, but I will first discuss this with the important people behind the scenes."
Southgate still sees plenty of potential for the national team, which has been waiting for a trophy for 58 years. "England has great young players who have already gained a lot of experience in major tournaments. Many of them will still be around in two, four, six, or eight years. In the big matches, we always fought our way back. We just need to take that final step," the coach said, referring to the lost Euro finals against Italy and Spain.
Southgate has managed to build a resilient and competitive squad, but his conservative tactics have often come under scrutiny. Despite the criticism, Southgate's tenure has seen significant achievements, including reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup and the finals of the European Championship, something no other England manager has done in recent decades.
Lineker
Despite these good results, Southgate has faced much criticism for England's conservative playing style. Lineker believes that for this reason, the FA should look for a new head coach. "He was the right man to bring the nation back together, but now it might be time for someone with a more modern playing style," Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast. "You can't be successful with defensive football. I would go for Jürgen Klopp."
Gary Lineker, a former England international and prominent football pundit, has been vocal about the need for a change. He argues that while Southgate was crucial in unifying the team and the country, the current squad requires a manager with a more attacking approach to unlock their full potential.
The question is whether Klopp is available, as the German is taking a sabbatical after leaving Liverpool. For this reason, he recently turned down an approach from the United States. Fellow analyst Micah Richards suggested Pep Guardiola (Man City). English media are also mentioning recently sacked Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, the still clubless Graham Potter, and Eddie Howe (Newcastle United) as candidates.
Jürgen Klopp, known for his high-energy and attacking football, would be an ideal candidate to bring a new dynamic to the England squad. However, his availability is uncertain due to his current sabbatical. Pep Guardiola, another top-tier manager with a reputation for offensive play, has also been suggested, though his commitment to Manchester City might pose a challenge.
Other potential candidates include Mauricio Pochettino, who recently left Chelsea and has a strong track record of developing young talent, Graham Potter, who is currently without a club, and Eddie Howe, who has impressed with his work at Newcastle United. Each of these managers brings a different set of skills and philosophies that could benefit the national team.
The FA faces a crucial decision in determining the future direction of the England national team. Whether they stick with Southgate and his proven ability to guide the team to the latter stages of major tournaments or opt for a fresh approach with a new manager, the goal remains the same: to finally end the 58-year wait for a major trophy.
