Eriksson Recommends Guardiola Or Klopp To Lead England Post-Southgate

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes the Football Association (FA) should consider Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp to replace Gareth Southgate. Southgate resigned following England's 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, marking their second consecutive European Championship final defeat under his leadership.

Names like Graham Potter, Eddie Howe, and Lee Carsley have been mentioned as possible successors if the FA opts for another English manager. However, reports indicate that the FA is also interested in speaking with Guardiola, who might leave Manchester City next year. Klopp, on the other hand, is expected to take a sabbatical after eight years at Liverpool.

Eriksson emphasised the importance of appointing a top-tier manager regardless of nationality. "If he is English or foreign, I don't think it should mean much," Eriksson told The Telegraph. "You just have to find a top manager, or a young one with a good future."

Eriksson highlighted Klopp and Guardiola as prime candidates due to their extensive knowledge of English football. "If you want to aim high, the obvious two contenders are Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola," he said. "They know English football, the players and culture."

He added that securing either manager would be a significant move for England's future ambitions. "We are talking about two of the best managers in the world," Eriksson stated. "If there was even the slightest suggestion they were interested in the job, England should go for it."

The former Three Lions boss acknowledged that Klopp is taking a break and questioned whether Guardiola is considering leaving Manchester City. "Klopp is taking a break and I'm not sure whether stepping down from Manchester City is in Pep's mind," Eriksson remarked.

Southgate's Departure

Gareth Southgate announced his resignation after managing 102 games over nearly eight years with England. His tenure saw significant achievements but ended with back-to-back losses in European Championship finals.

After 102 games and almost eight years in charge, Gareth Southgate has announced he is to leave his role as manager of the #ThreeLions.

— England (@England) July 16, 2024

Eriksson concluded by reiterating that aiming high with managerial appointments could significantly impact England's future success. He believes that appointing either Klopp or Guardiola would make a strong statement about England's aspirations.

"You have to aim high, and appointing either of those two would be a huge statement for England and their aims for the future," Eriksson said.