Eddie Howe Tipped As Top Choice For England Manager After Southgate Exit

Gareth Southgate has stepped down as England manager after an eight-year tenure, following a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. The Football Association (FA) confirmed his departure on Tuesday. Southgate managed 102 games, winning 61 and leading the team to two European Championship finals.

Speculation about his successor is rife, with Eddie Howe emerging as a favourite. Former England winger Darren Anderton supports Howe's candidacy, citing his successful stints at Bournemouth and Newcastle United. "It's no surprise that he has been touted for it," Anderton told Stats Perform. "He’s got all the credentials from coaching wise to the job he’s done at Bournemouth and then, of course, Newcastle."

Anderton believes Howe would be an ideal fit due to his ability to handle pressure and connect with fans and players alike. "That was a lot of pressure to go up there and do what he's done when Newcastle were really struggling," Anderton said. "I think that he's loved up there, fans love him, players love him, so I would not be surprised."

Another potential candidate is Mauricio Pochettino, who previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea. Anderton thinks highly of Pochettino but notes his non-English background as a potential drawback. "Yeah, I think if it's not going to be an Englishman, if it's not going to be Eddie, then Pochettino all day long for me," Anderton added.

Former Chelsea managers Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter are also linked with the role. However, Anderton sees Potter as a more likely candidate due to his English nationality and previous success at Brighton. "[Potter is] an English manager. I think we all probably would prefer that," he said.

If the FA does not appoint a new manager before the Nations League matches in September, Under-21s manager Lee Carsley could serve as interim manager. This would follow Southgate's path into the top job. Anderton expressed concerns about Carsley's experience but acknowledged the FA might consider this route again.

"When [Carsley's] name was thrown into the hat, to me, it's a shock for the same reason as others that haven't seen him," Anderton noted. "There are so many good coaches that don't make good managers."

The FA faces a crucial decision in selecting Southgate's successor. The choice will significantly impact England's future performance on the international stage.