Out with the old, in with the new

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is an early favourite for the England job. AFP Photo

Paul Kennedy

So who’s next? After the dust settled following their Euro 24 final loss against Spain, Gareth Southgate quit as England manager.

Was anyone surprised? No, I thought not.

Southgate, despite taking England to their first ever major tournament final on foreign soil, was basically slated throughout the Euros for his negativity, poor match management, bad substitutions and general lack of cojones.

Yes, I know they got to the final and yes, I know Southgate has probably been the most successful England manger since 1966, but the style of play has been so, so bad.

If England had won it, it would have been an injustice to the sport. Beautiful game? I think not. Not when Gareth is in charge.

So it’s out with the old and in with the new. But who will that new boss be?

Eddie Howe, current manager of Newcastle United, is an early favourite to take charge. He’s certainly done well since taking over in the north east and if he does decide to take the national job, there will be plenty of sad faces in Newcastle where supporters won’t want to see him depart.

Graham Potter is another hotly tipped to take over.

Potter is available, having not worked since a pretty poor, and very short, spell as Chelsea manager, so he could be an easy solution.

Lee Carsley has also been mentioned. He’s done very well in charge of the U21s, but stepping up to the big chair may be seen as too big a gamble.

BBC pundit Gary Lineker threw a name into the hat the other day, and I wholeheartedly agree with him.

Lineker said the English FA should go ‘all out’ and give former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp the position.

He’s right. Klopp is a great coach, well respected and knows English football better than most.

But personally, I think this is nothing more than a pipedream and there’s no way on earth Jurgen would entertain the job of England manager.

Pure pie in the sky.

So whoever it is that makes the decision has a tough job on their hands.

On paper, England has a good squad, young and hungry players all at the top of their game. But they need to appoint a coach who can not only get the best out of them, but also play with a freedom and style that sadly evaded Southgate.

Let’s just wait and see.

If all else fails and the FA struggle to find a replacement? Sam Allardyce is just a phone call away. VNS