The favourites to become next England manager | OneFootball

Lee Carsley’s hopes of becoming England’s next permanent manager were dented on Thursday, as the Three Lions lost to Greece in a Nations League upset at Wembley.

Carsley had been the clear favourite for the role after masterminding wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland in September, but the interim manager’s audition suffered a setback this week.

After England’s shock defeat to Greece, we look at the latest frontrunners to replace Gareth Southgate.

The favourites to become next England manager

Eddie Howe – 9/1

Eddie Howe has regularly been billed as an England manager in waiting, having had impressive club spells at Bournemouth and Newcastle. He guided the former through the English football pyramid and consolidated the Cherries as a top-flight team, before leading Newcastle into the Champions League for the first time in two decades.

Howe has regularly talked down speculation linking him with England, insisting he is happy in the North East and focused on success with Newcastle. However, as arguably the best of the English option available, the noise is unlikely to go away.

Graham Potter – 8/1

Graham Potter has been patient in his wait to return to football, since being unceremoniously sacked at Chelsea in April 2023. Potter lasted just seven months at Stamford Bridge and departed with the lowest points-per-game return of any Chelsea manager, with his stock falling after a largely progressive spell with Brighton.

The 49-year-old remains highly thought of, however, and would be free to take the role immediately without the need for compensation. The FA may need to move quickly, however, with a number of Premier League clubs credited with interest. Wolves are the latest, as the pressure rises on Gary O’Neil.

Pep Guardiola – 8/1

Could the FA wait for Pep Guardiola?

The Spaniard is out of contract at the end of the season and has been coy about his future at Manchester City. After eight decorated years in charge of the Citizens, Guardiola could opt to walk away from the club in the summer.

Landing Guardiola would be an incredible coup, a serial winner and arguably the greatest coach of all time. Whether there would be mutual interest, or if the intensity of the 53-year-old would be suited to international football, are complicating factors.

Thomas Tuchel – 11/10

Thomas Tuchel is understood to be open to taking charge of England and has seen his odds slashed.

The German is out of work after leaving Bayern Munich in the summer, having overseen the club’s first trophyless season since 2011/12. Tuchel, however, has a proven track record in big competitions having reached Champions League finals with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, winning the competition with the latter.

With experience of winning trophies and handling big-name dressing rooms, alongside his availability and the lack of club factors that led to friction with past hierarchies, he could be an ideal option.

Lee Carsley – 2/1

Lee Carsley remains the favourite to take over permanently despite England erring against Greece.

The 50-year-old has huge credit in the bank with the FA given his role with the u-21 side, who he led to European Championship success in 2023. His tactical experiment backfired against Greece, but Carsley is recognised as forward-thinking and adventurous. With time, he could find the right recipe to get England’s collection of talent cooking.

Read – Five talkings points after England lose to Greece at Wembley

See more – Carsley admits ‘courageous’ England experiment ‘didn’t come off’

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok