For the first time in 11 years, Gareth Southgate is without a job (Photo: Getty)
Gareth Southgate will snub the likes of Manchester United to stay in international management after resigning as England boss, Gary Neville has predicted.
On Tuesday, Southgate announced that he would be leaving the Three Lions after an incredible eight years and 102 games in charge, which culminated in the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
Attention has turned to who will replace the 53-year-old, with the likes of Graham Potter, Lee Carsley, Eddie Howe and Mauricio Pochettino linked with the job.
But there is also speculation as to what Southgate will do next having become a very well-regarded manager after transforming England from a laughing stock in 2016 to one of the best sides in the world.
Prior to the Euros, it was widely-reported that Manchester United were very interested in his services, though they ultimately opted to stick with Erik ten Hag.
It is now said that while Southgate is still highly respected by United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Red Devils are ‘highly unlikely’ to appoint him in the eventuality that Ten Hag were to depart.
Neville suggests this could be for the best however, saying that Southgate is more well suited to the international stage rather than club football.
GARETH SOUTHGATE’S ENGLAND STATEMENT
‘As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all,’ Southgate said in a statement on the FA website.
‘But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.
‘I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.
‘I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.
‘I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.
‘The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.
‘I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change.’
Gareth Southgate stepped down just two days after England’s defeat in the Euro 2024 final (Getty)
Southgate added: ‘My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.
‘We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.
‘I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.
‘Thank you, England – for everything.’
‘I would like to think Gareth will stay in international management,’ the former United and England defender told Sky Sports.
‘His patience and understanding is second to none and it suits him. He is a statesman-like leader who represents countries really well.
‘He is such a proud Englishman – he doesn’t look like a bulldog type who will fight for his country, like Terry Butcher and Stuart Pearce, but he is that type in a different shell.
Gareth Southgate next managerial job odds:
Newcastle – 9/2
Man Utd – 7/1
Any MLS club – 15/2
Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace – 10/1
Any Saudi Pro League – 12/1
Chelsea, USA national team – 14/1
Odds courtesy of Betfair
‘But I think he could take his learnings into another country. He could also stay with England and the FA in a higher role and develop English coaches.’
Among the jobs Southgate has been tipped for is USA manager, after they sacked Gregg Berhalter and failed with an outlandish move for Jurgen Klopp, who is also linked to the England job.
That would be a prestigious position given that the United States is set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.
Next England manager odds:
Graham Potter: 5/2
Lee Carsley: 10/3
Eddie Howe: 7/2
Jurgen Klopp: 17/2
Mauricio Pochettino: 9/1
Thomas Tuchel: 18/1
Odds courtesy of Betfair
He’s also been heavily tipped to take over at Newcastle, though that is probably because current Magpies boss Howe is one of the favourites to replace Southgate.
‘[The next England manager] will have to win a trophy to surpass what Gareth has achieved,’ Neville added.
‘Over the years we have had every type of manager – the fashionable, the international manager, best English managers, people who have come through the ranks with youth teams.
‘There is no science in terms of what works and there are obvious contenders. Graham Potter and Eddie Howe will get mentioned and I think it will definitely be an English manager.
‘Moving to St. George’s Park was to promote and develop English coaches. To take that away from an English manager and give to an international manager would be wrong.’
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