Three months ago, England found themselves in search of a new manager.
Following Gareth Southgate’s resignation, England Under-21s head coach Lee Carsley was appointed as interim manager. However, his chances of securing the job permanently took a hit after Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to Greece in the Nations League.
In July, after Southgate’s departure, BBC Sport presented seven potential candidates for the role. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp topped the list, earning 29% of the public vote, while Carsley received only 7%.
However, the situation has shifted since then, with high-profile options like Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino now committed to new roles elsewhere.
So, who are the current leading contenders to become England’s next permanent manager?
Lee Carsley
Despite the setback against Greece at Wembley, Carsley remains one of the frontrunners. He enjoyed a perfect win record before that match, and the team’s style of play in his first two games was more attractive than under Southgate.
However, Carsley’s tactical decisions against Greece—such as playing Jude Bellingham as a false nine and heavily stacking the midfield—raised some concerns.
When asked about his desire for the full-time job, Carsley hinted that he may return to his Under-21 role if not selected for the senior position. “My remit has been clear from the start—I’m doing three camps,” he stated.
His interim period is set to conclude in November after games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League. Whether these final fixtures will solidify or diminish his chances remains to be seen.
Pep Guardiola
The current Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has expressed interest in managing an international team in the future. In February, he stated, “I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship.”
Guardiola’s contract with City expires at the end of the season, and there has been no official word on his plans beyond that. While Manchester City are eager to extend his stay, his future at the club could be influenced by the departure of their director of football, Txiki Begiristain, who is set to step down at the end of the season.
This development might present Guardiola with an ideal opportunity to make his exit from the club. The question is whether the Football Association would be willing to wait for the Spaniard, even if it meant going without a permanent England manager until the summer of 2025. If they are, Guardiola could be an exciting and transformative choice for England’s national team.
Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe, the Newcastle United manager, was the most popular English candidate on BBC Sport’s list back in July, securing 19% of the votes. Since joining Newcastle in 2021, Howe has significantly boosted his reputation, guiding the Magpies to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League during his first full season.
Although Howe has a long-term contract at St James’ Park and is highly regarded by the club, he has expressed some frustration with Newcastle’s summer transfer activity. In July, he remarked, “As long as I am happy and feel supported and feel free to do the work that I love to do at Newcastle, I’ll be very happy—and I am very happy.”
Jürgen Klopp
Initially considered a top contender, Jürgen Klopp’s prospects of becoming England’s next manager now seem over. The German, who stepped down as Liverpool manager at the end of last season, had previously indicated a desire to take an extended break from coaching. Earlier this week, he accepted a role as the global head of soccer for the Red Bull group, starting in January 2025.
During the announcement, Klopp reiterated that he does not plan to return to management, stating on Instagram, “A few months ago I said I don’t see myself on the sidelines anymore, and that is still the case.” Any hopes of him taking the England role appear to have vanished.
Graham Potter
Former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter is another strong candidate. The FA may view him favorably as he is English, has a reputation for playing attractive football, and is currently available, having been out of a job since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023.
In a recent interview, Potter expressed a preference for the day-to-day nature of club management, but he also left the door open for international football. On Sky Sports, Potter said, “As an Englishman, of course it’s a fantastic job, but I’m supportive of whatever the FA decides. I’m open to anything, to be honest.”
Kieran McKenna
Kieran McKenna, the Ipswich Town manager, is quickly emerging as one of the most highly regarded young coaches in English football. Despite Ipswich’s winless start in the Premier League, McKenna’s achievements—guiding Ipswich to back-to-back promotions—have caught the attention of big clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea.
At just 38, McKenna has a reputation for working well with young talent and has experience from his time in the youth setups at Manchester United and Tottenham. However, whether he would be willing to leave the daily demands of club management for a national role is uncertain.
Other Potential Candidates
While Mauricio Pochettino was once a leading option, his recent appointment as manager of the United States has taken him off the table. Thomas Tuchel is currently available after leaving Bayern Munich last season, and his stature would appeal to many fans craving a high-profile appointment.
José Mourinho, now managing Fenerbahçe, has previously turned down offers from the FA, while former Chelsea and Derby boss Frank Lampard is still without a club and could be considered as well.