The debate over who could become the next England manager is heating up. Thomas Tuchel is barely only from the beginning of 2025 into his tenure as head coach of the Three Lions, yet England’s ever-demanding fanbase and media are already speculating about potential successors. This article examines Tuchel’s current situation – including why his position is under scrutiny – and breaks down the leading contenders being touted (and the odds being given) to replace him if things go south.
Current England Manager: Thomas Tuchel’s Situation
Thomas Tuchel was appointed England manager on 1 January 2025, replacing Gareth Southgate after the latter’s resignation following another agonizing near-miss at a major tournament. The German coach was hired amid some skepticism due to his nationality, but largely because of his track record of winning major club trophies – something Southgate lacked – in hopes he could finally get England “over the line” at a World Cup for the first time since 1966. Tuchel’s contract runs through the 2026 World Cup, and the FA’s mandate is clear: end the nation’s 59-year trophy drought by triumphing on the biggest stage.
Tuchel’s reign began with promise on paper. England won its opening three 2026 World Cup qualifiers under him – against Albania, Latvia and Andorra – without conceding a single goal. However, those routine wins over lower-tier opposition did little to silence doubters. Many fans remain unconvinced, noting that the real tests lie ahead. When a friendly against a stronger side finally came, England stumbled: a 3-1 home loss to Senegal in June brought Tuchel’s brief honeymoon to a crashing end. Boos rang out at the City Ground in Nottingham after that defeat – England’s first ever to an African nation – signaling how little patience supporters have. For all his past success at Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich, Tuchel is discovering the unique pressure that comes with leading England’s national team. Early signs of tension are apparent, and the spotlight is already shifting toward who might succeed him if he cannot quickly right the ship.
Reasons for Thomas Tuchel’s Departure
Although Thomas Tuchel is still in charge, speculation is mounting about how secure his position truly is – and how long he can hold on if expectations aren’t met. England managers traditionally enjoy little leeway, and Tuchel’s situation is no exception. Critics in the media are already circling, with some even suggesting that England “might have regressed” under the new regime. The team’s playing identity remains a work in progress; despite Tuchel’s reputation as a tactical innovator, England have yet to find a consistent rhythm or style on the pitch. Captain Harry Kane alluded to disjointed play “with and without the ball” after the Senegal loss, reflecting concerns that the squad isn’t clicking as hoped.
Tuchel’s early tenure has also seen controversial decisions that could undermine his support. Some of his squad selections have raised eyebrows – for instance, recalling 34-year-old Jordan Henderson and persisting with 35-year-old Kyle Walker in defense despite their advancing ages. These moves, justified by Tuchel as bringing leadership and “standards” to the group, prompted questions over whether he is overlooking younger options. Additionally, Tuchel’s communication style marks a stark departure from Southgate’s. Whereas Southgate was protective of his players, Tuchel has been notably blunt. After a lackluster 1-0 win over Andorra, he publicly blasted his squad for lacking “seriousness and urgency” and criticized their attitude and body language. While some fans appreciated the honesty, others worry such blunt criticism could alienate the dressing room, which had grown accustomed to Southgate’s arm-around-the-shoulder approach.
The biggest factor looming over Tuchel’s tenure, however, is the expectation of silverware. England reached the final of Euro 2024 (and Euro 2020 before that) and a World Cup semifinal in 2018 under Southgate – yet still ended each tournament empty-handed. Tuchel was specifically tasked with turning those near-misses into a trophy. If he fails to deliver a major title by 2026, it’s widely expected the FA will seek a new direction. In fact, Tuchel’s contract only runs until the 2026 World Cup, a sign that his future beyond that will hinge on results. Should England underperform in upcoming competitions or stumble in qualifying, calls for his dismissal will intensify rapidly. The June setback against Senegal already demonstrated how fickle the atmosphere can become – a couple more poor results (England face Andorra at home and a tricky trip to Serbia in the autumn) and the tabloids and fanbase will turn up the heat, potentially even “using his passport against him” as a foreign coach. In short, unless Tuchel proves he can elevate England to champion status soon, the FA may be forced to consider a change at the helm.
Who will be the next England manager?
All this has led to growing discussion about who could take over as the next England manager if Thomas Tuchel departs. The Football Association will have no shortage of candidates – from successful Premier League bosses to decorated international tacticians. Bookmakers have already been adjusting their odds on potential successors as whispers of discontent emerge. Below we provide an overview of the most obvious contenders being linked to the England job, along with their current roles and credentials:
| Candidate | Current Role | Credentials / Why They’re Contenders |
| Eddie Howe | Newcastle United manager | Highly rated English coach; led Newcastle to a top-4 PL finish and ended their 70-year trophy drought with the 2025 League Cup. A frontrunner for England job who once called it “the ultimate job”. |
| Pep Guardiola | Manchester City manager | World-renowned manager with multiple Premier League and Champions League titles. Has hinted at wanting to coach a national team next. Was listed among favorites for the England role by bookmakers, though it’s uncertain if he’d accept. |
| Lee Carsley | England U21 | He was England’s interim coach between Southgate and Tuchel. He won the 2023 and 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championships with England U21. |
| Graham Potter | West Ham United manager | Tactically astute English coach known for an attractive style at Brighton. Despite a tough stint at Chelsea, he was the bookies’ favorite to succeed Southgate after Euro 2024 and is seen as an “outstanding” homegrown candidate. |
| Mauricio Pochettino | USA NT | Experienced former Spurs and PSG manager. Familiar with English football and has been linked to the England job in the past. At one point, he was a 4/1 bookies’ favorite to take over, reflecting his standing in such discussions. |
Eddie Howe – the main contender for the position
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When it comes to likely successors, Eddie Howe often tops the list. The 47-year-old is currently doing a stellar job at Newcastle United, and many believe he is the ideal homegrown candidate to lead England next. Howe has transformed Newcastle from relegation battlers into Champions League contenders, even delivering the club’s first domestic trophy in 70 years by winning the League Cup in 2025. This track record of rapid improvement and silverware has not gone unnoticed. In fact, Howe has been among the frontrunners for the England role ever since Southgate’s exit was confirmed, mentioned alongside the likes of Potter and Pochettino as a top option for the FA.
Importantly, Howe checks a lot of boxes: he’s English, he’s media-savvy, and he has proven capable of developing players – qualities that would serve him well with the national team’s talented but youthful core. Howe himself has not ruled out the possibility of managing England one day. He once admitted the England job is a “very special” opportunity that would be impossible to turn down at the right time. For now, he insists he’s focused on Newcastle, but the subtext is clear: if the FA comes calling and the circumstances align, Eddie Howe could very well be the next man in the Wembley dugout. His blend of domestic pedigree and patriotic appeal makes him the main contender in the eyes of many fans and pundits.
Pep Guardiola – contender No. 2
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Few names in world football command as much respect as Pep Guardiola. The Spanish mastermind behind Manchester City’s modern dominance is invariably linked to any high-profile opening – and the England manager’s position is no exception. Guardiola’s trophy haul speaks for itself: league titles in Spain, Germany and England, plus multiple Champions League crowns. On paper, there would be no more qualified candidate to finally end England’s trophy curse. Bookmakers have duly included Pep in the conversation; at one point he was as short as 4/1 in the odds to become England’s next boss.
What’s more, Guardiola has openly expressed interest in international management. “A national team will be the next step, yes… I’d like to coach a national team… I want to have the experience of a Copa America,” he said when discussing his future beyond Man City. Such remarks suggest that, at the very least, Pep would consider a national team role once his club chapter closes. The big question is whether England could realistically land him. Guardiola is currently under contract at City and would have many suitors globally if he were available. Some analysts view the prospect of Pep taking over England as fancifulf – perhaps imagining he might prefer a different national side or even take a sabbatical. Nonetheless, the FA would almost certainly make an ambitious pitch for Guardiola if given the slightest encouragement. Securing Pep would be a massive coup; his innovative tactics and winning mentality could be exactly what England needs to finally conquer a major tournament. For now, it remains an intriguing possibility – one that keeps Guardiola firmly in the frame as contender number two.
Graham Potter – contender No. 3
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Another name frequently raised in the “next England manager” discussion is Graham Potter. The 50-year-old English coach may be between jobs at the moment, but his reputation as a forward-thinking tactician endures. Potter rose to prominence by taking Brighton & Hove Albion to new heights, earning admiration for his attractive, possession-based style and ability to punch above the club’s weight. He is “that rarest of things: an English manager who has won plaudits for his tactical mind,” as FourFourTwo noted. It was this pedigree that made Potter the bookmakers’ favorite to succeed Southgate immediately after the Euro 2024 final – at one point he was even money (1/1) to land the job.
Potter’s momentum was stalled by a disappointing brief tenure at Chelsea in 2022-23, but many argue the chaotic circumstances at the club were largely to blame. His achievements at Brighton (and earlier at Swansea and Östersund) still shine through, showing what he can do with time and a clear vision. Observers believe Potter would bring an innovative approach and a calm demeanor that could gel well with England’s young talents. He also has experience working with several England internationals from his club stints. Importantly, if the FA is intent on appointing an English manager, Potter stands out as one of the top available choices. As one analysis put it, Potter remains an “outstanding candidate” for the England role should the focus be on a domestic coach. With his proven ability to improve players and implement a modern system, Potter could be a smart appointment to carry England forward – making him a strong contender number three.
England’s Current Situation and Expectations for the New Manager
Any coach stepping into the England job will inherit a high-pressure situation. The country’s passionate supporters and unforgiving press create an intense spotlight, amplified by the contrast between club and country success. In recent years, English clubs have dominated European competitions, winning multiple Champions League, Europa League and Conference League titles. Yet England’s national team has not lifted a major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. Under Gareth Southgate, the Three Lions came tantalizingly close – reaching two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final – but ultimately fell short of glory. This dichotomy has only heightened the hunger for international silverware. The consensus is that England now boasts a “golden generation” of talent, and patience for near-misses has worn thin. The next manager will be expected to harness this talent and finally turn England into champions. That means not just solid tournament runs or respectable performances, but bringing home a trophy. In short, the new boss must embrace the sky-high expectations and deliver what so many predecessors could not: an end to the hurt, and football coming home at last.
Tips GG Expert Opinions and Predictions
In the view of Tips GG experts, Eddie Howe currently stands out as the most likely candidate to become the next England manager. His blend of domestic success and familiarity with England’s player pool makes him a natural fit should Tuchel falter. If England fails to show significant progress under Tuchel in the next year, don’t be surprised if Howe gets the call to lead the Three Lions. Nevertheless, one cannot rule out an audacious move for a proven winner like Guardiola if he becomes available. For now, all eyes are on Tuchel’s results – but the successor shortlist is ready and waiting in the wings.