Odds on England’s Next Manager
As England stumbled their way through to the Euro 2024 final, Gareth Southgate suddenly found his England team in back-to-back Euro finals with the prospect of a first major trophy for England men’s football since 1966.
Sadly for England fans, this feat was not to be achieved and a familiar sense of Deja vu set in, despite Spain coming away with well-deserved glory.
As Gareth departs after 8 years at the helm, the FA are stepping up their search for his successor and are looking to find the perfect candidate who can get the best out of this exciting, young English squad.
Without further ado, here are the current frontrunners and how the betting markets are shaping up across the Irish bookmaker scene:
Graham Potter
In recent days, Graham Potter has shot up the ranks to marginally become the bookies’ favourite.
Potter has made an impact at many teams that he’s managed throughout the year with notable spells at Swansea, Brighton and Chelsea.
Recent reports claim that the former Birmingham City player is ready to return to coaching since his dismissal at Chelsea in 2023.
When asked on the subject of England’s candidacy, Potter did not entertain journalists in the speculation circus.
That hasn’t stopped the bookmakers from backing him for the job, although some operators remain torn on the top 3 frontrunners.
Bet 365: 3/1 Boylesports: 9/4 Ladbrokes: 9/4 Coral: 9/4
Lee Carsley
Plans appear to already be in place to draft the former Ireland international as at least an interim coach whilst the FA takes its time in selecting the right person to lead the Three Lions.
Carsley is said to be highly rated by the FA, given that he led the under-21s England side to Euros glory a year ago.
Should Lee Carsley be pitchside for England’s long-awaited Nations League match against the Republic of Ireland, it’s likely a safe assumption that he’ll be in the running for the full-time job.
bet365: 5/2 Boylesports: 5/2 Ladbrokes: 5/2 Coral: 5/2
Eddie Howe
Immediately after the exit of Gareth Southgate, many sports pundits were whispering the name Eddie Howe given the impact that’s had at Newcastle and Bournemouth over the last few years.
The former centre-back has remained coy during most of his interviews when quizzed on the matter of England management and insists that his focus remains on delivering football success with flush Newcastle United.
Howe gained 200 appearances in his time playing for Bournemouth, could this be a demonstration of his loyalty and focus or is he playing it cool?
Howe is still fancied across the bookies and seems to be in the running.
bet365: 11/4 Boylesports: 9/2 Ladbrokes: 5/2 Coral: 5/2
Jurgen Klopp
He did the business at Liverpool, he transformed Dortmund. Jurgen Klopp maintains an excellent reputation as a football coach with prowess and pedigree.
The German has left Liverpool, choosing to take a well-earned footballing sabbatical.
It’s not every day the England job comes up for grabs though.
Nevertheless, the bookmakers seem to have their markets hedged on a homegrown profile for the top job.
bet365: 8/1 Boylesports: 10/1 Ladbrokes: 10/1 Coral: 10/1
Mauricio Pochettino
The Argentine has done the rounds over an array of football superclubs with Chelsea, PSG, and Spurs all respectable previous employers on the managerial CV.
Pochettino’s high-pressing, attacking style of football might be just what this current England team needs although recent reporting suggests Newcastle are eying up the former Espanyol player as an insurance play should they lose Eddie Howe to the job.