Gareth Southgate recently stepped down from his position as England manager after his team lost the 2024 European Championship final against Spain.
Southgate received criticism for his cautious style of football throughout his time in charge and his exit will not be mourned by many Three Lions fans.
After years of conservatism under Southgate, the Football Association (FA) must make an ambitious choice to replace him.
This should immediately rule out candidates such as Graham Potter and Eddie Howe, both of whom fall into the same ‘safe appointment’ category as Southgate.
Suggestions that Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard are viable options need consigning to the dustbin given their respective failures in club management.
By contrast, left-field choices such as Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel would be welcomed by England fans, but the FA are unlikely to go down that route.
Given that it is now 58 years and counting since England won major silverware, the FA can ill-afford to botch their next appointment.
On that basis, two managers stand head and shoulders above the rest given their previous track record of success.
Ange Postecoglou – Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is reportedly on FA director John McDermott’s shortlist for the England job, and he would be a brave appointment.
McDermott has been following Postecoglou’s journey through Australia, Japan and Scotland to the Premier League and is a massive admirer of his work.
Appointing the former Australia national team head coach would spark plenty of excitement among England fans, although the bookmakers do not rate his chances of getting the job.
The affable Australian is rated as a 33/1 shot on several betting sites – odds which suggest he has little chance of ending up in the England hot-seat.
However, the 58-year-old understands the dynamics of international football and would seamlessly adapt to coaching England.
Postecoglou also knows how to win titles, having clinched silverware at Yokohama F Marinos, Brisbane Roar and Celtic.
The Spurs manager brings a winning mentality and a bold philosophy that might just be what the doctor ordered for this England squad which is bristling with talent.
Postecoglou is famous for his fast and ultra-attacking style of play that employs one of the most aggressive high lines in world football.
The former Celtic manager teaches his team to press high up the pitch. Tottenham went from the bottom of the list for high turnovers in the Premier League in 2022/23 to topping it last term under his tutelage.
Postecoglou will potentially have a depth of attacking talent at his disposal with England including Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden.
He also has world-class midfield options blessed with complementary profiles and a defence that can adeptly hold his aggressive high line. Using these potent weapons to implement his audacious philosophy could make England a formidable force.
Postecoglou is an intriguing option for the FA to consider. His bold style and proven track record offer a fresh perspective for England’s pursuit of international glory.
Pep Guardiola – Manchester City
When it comes to tactical geniuses, you would be hard-pushed to find anyone more astute than Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
The 53-year-old will reportedly remain with Man City for one more season and the England job could appeal to him after his lengthy spell in club football.
Guardiola is already one of the most decorated managers ever. His tally 34 trophies across spells with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City speak for themselves.
The Spaniard has conquered club football and there is not much left to motivate him at that level. He will be eyeing something different – a new challenge.
Guardiola has already declared his intention to coach a national team, and the FA needs should persuade him that the England job is his next logical step.
The former Barcelona midfielder could transform England into a cohesive, attacking unit. With him in charge, the Three Lions would immediately become the favourites for the 2026 World Cup.
Online bookmakers rate him as a 16/1 shot to become the next England manager. Those odds could tumble if he indicates he is interested in replacing Southgate.
His style of play is more measured than Postecoglou’s gung-ho approach, but they both like to play on the front foot.
Guardiola has already worked with several players in England’s squad. This pre-existing connection would significantly ease the transition and accelerate the team’s development under his leadership.
Postecoglou and Guardiola are both compelling options for England and the FA must pull out all the stops to get one of them on board.
