Surprise name in contention for England job after Klopp stance revealed

A leading contender has emerged

Southgate confirmed that he would be stepping down from his role as England boss after eight years in charge on Tuesday.

The 53-year-old was in charge for 102 games, with his last game being the Euro 2024 loss to Spain in the final on Sunday.

In an emotional statement released via the FA, Southgate said "It’s time for change, and for a new chapter".

The FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and technical director John McDermott now find themselves on the hunt for a new manager and there is a surprising name already on the shortlist.

Who will be the next England manager?

In recent days Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the job.

Yet, according to reports, Klopp is highly unlikely to take the reigns at England. The former Liverpool coach has already rejected the chance to open talks about becoming the manager of the United States Men's Team.

Another one of those names that would rank highly on any potential shortlist is Newcastle United's Eddie Howe.

Previously linked with the post, Howe has done a terrific job at the Toon Army, guiding the North East giants out of the relegation zone to the Champions League prior to this in a short period of time.

Other candidates include Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, and under-21 manager Lee Carsley.

The most surprising name on the list is former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel who according to The Sun has already expressed his interest in talking to the FA.

Tuchel, who left Bayern Munich at the end of the season, has won trophies in England, France and Germany, lifting the Champions League in 2021 with Chelsea.

The 50-year-old was most recently linked with a move back to England to manage Manchester United before the club decided to stick with Erik ten Hag.

It is said the FA want to prioritise candidates who have a knowledge of English Football as opposed to hiring based on their nationality. It would make Tuchel a serious contender.

Other names who have been linked with the job include Frank Lampard.

FA face hurdles to appoint Howe

Despite the mass appeal of the England job, Howe would have to take a significant pay cut if he was to give up his Newcastle reign and move to the Three Lions.

It is reported that Southgate earns around £5million-a-year, which is a level at which a typical bottom-half Premier League club would pay.

Another option however that could materialise is Graham Potter, who has been out of work for a year.

Potter previously held talks with Ajax and did not jump at the chance of a Brighton return, however, would reportedly be seriously interested in the Three Lions job.

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