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Former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has named Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola as ideal candidates to replace England boss Gareth Southgate. It was announced on Tuesday (16 July) that Southgate would vacate his role as Three Lions boss after their Euro 2024 defeat last weekend.
Despite their inconsistent form and some close victories, England made it to the final against Spain. La Roja secured a 2-1 victory over the Englishmen, courtesy of goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal. Cole Palmer found the back of the net for the Three Lions, but to no avail, as Spain were crowned European champions.
After eight years as England boss, Southgate handed in his resignation, and the Three Lions are now searching for a new manager. Renowned managers Eddie Howe and Graham Potter have been linked with the role.
However, Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Three Lions' first-ever foreign manager, believes nationality should not matter when selecting England's coach. The Swede feels England need someone like Klopp or Guardiola if they want to win trophies.
Eriksson said (via Sport Bible):
"If he is English, or foreign, I don’t think it should mean much. You just have to find a top manager, or a young one with a good future. If you want to aim high, the obvious two contenders are Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola. They know English football, the players and culture. If there was even the slightest suggestion they were interested in the job."
He added, hailing the Manchester City manager and the former Liverpool boss as the world's best:
"England should go for it. We are talking about two of the best managers in the world. Klopp is taking a break and I’m not sure whether stepping down from Manchester City is in Pep’s mind. But you have to aim high, and appointing either of those two would be a huge statement for England and their aims for the future."
According to reports, Jurgen Klopp has rejected the chance to replace Southgate and intends to continue his one-year sabbatical.
"The England manager should be English" - Michael Owen names one condition for Gareth Southgate's successor
While Sven-Goran Eriksson believes foreign managers should be up for consideration, Michael Owen insists that England's next manager must be native. The former Liverpool striker believes Eddie Howe and Graham Potter would be fine appointments for the Three Lions.
However, Owen does not see Howe leaving Newcastle United to manage the national team, claiming he wouldn't let go of a 'top job'. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
"I would love Eddie Howe as England manager but he’s already in a top job. I’d be right behind The FA appointing Graham Potter too. Whatever we do, I’m of the opinion that the England manager should be English."
During his eight-year tenure, Southgate led England to two European Championship finals, the semi-finals in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the quarter-finals in the 2022 edition in Qatar.
