The wait is over, and the applications are now open for the coveted position of England Men’s Senior Team Head Coach.
On Friday, the FA quietly posted the job listing on their website, seeking a candidate with a UEFA Pro Licence and a strong track record of delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.
Although the FA has already shortlisted some candidates, including Lee Carsley, Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter, and Eddie Howe, the door is still open for other qualified applicants.
So, who will be the next England manager? Let’s assess the leading contenders.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is amongst the favoured candidates to become next England manager
Gareth Southgate’s resignation following the Euro 2024 final defeat means applications are now open for his former job
England’s squad of rising stars needs a new leader and there are plenty of top coaches vying for the vacancy
Experience
HOWE: With experience in taking Bournemouth from League Two to the Premier League and currently leading Newcastle to the Champions League, Howe has a strong track record. 7/10
CARSLEY: Carsley has learned the ropes as a youth coach with Coventry, Brentford, Birmingham, and Man City, and has seen his reputation soar in charge of England Under 21s, leading them to their first European Championship since 1984. 7/10
POCHETTINO: With stints at Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, Pochettino has vast big-club experience and knows what it’s like to play international football, having earned 20 caps for Argentina. 8/10
POTTER: Potter’s coaching journey started at the bottom, working his way up from the ninth tier in English football with Leeds Metropolitan University to Chelsea in the Premier League. He has also led small Swedish side Ostersund to three promotions and into the Europa League. 6/10
England Under-21 head coach Lee Carsley earned his craft as a youth coach with Coventry, Brentford, Birmingham and Man City but has no real first-team experience
Both of Chelsea’s most recently-sacked managers Graham Potter (left) and Mauricio Pochettino (right) are both in the frame for the England role
Record
HOWE: Although Howe has never won a major trophy, he has undeniably enjoyed success with the resources he’s had at both Bournemouth and Newcastle. 7/10
CARSLEY: Carsley can boast something Southgate can’t – he’s brought England silverware. The Young Lions didn’t concede a goal throughout last year’s tournament. 8/10
POCHETTINO: Pochettino’s record is more than just trophies. He develops players and shapes clubs. He even managed to turn Chelsea around before his untimely departure. 8/10
POTTER: Potter’s success has always been more in his ability to develop players and get them to play in an attractive way that sees them punch above their weight. 6/10
Howe has never won a major trophy but has undeniably enjoyed success with the resources he’s had at both Bournemouth and now Newcastle
Pochettino isn’t renowned for his silverware success either but is well-liked for his ability to develop young England players such as Cole Palmer (left)
Man-Management
HOWE: Players love to work for Howe, but Anthony Gordon admitted that after joining Newcastle from Everton, it took him six months to understand how he was supposed to play. 6/10
CARSLEY: Carsley knows how to get the best out of attacking young talent. He had Cole Palmer in his Euros side alongside the likes of Gordon, Levi Colwill, and Harvey Elliott. 9/10
POCHETTINO: England super sub Cole Palmer praised Pochettino for his skills at Chelsea, saying ‘he’s great at making you feel good’ and takes interest in any family issues. 9/10
POTTER: Another manager who is renowned for connecting with the human side of his players. You’d hope so, too, having studied for a master’s degree in leadership and emotional management. 6/10
