The next England manager odds are always a hot topic—filled with speculation, surprise candidates, and serious betting interest.

With Gareth Southgate stepping down after Euro 2024 and Thomas Tuchel now leading the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup, attention is already turning to who could take over the reins next.

From Premier League tacticians like Eddie Howe and Graham Potter, to global heavyweights such as Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino, and Jürgen Klopp, the odds on who will be the next England manager are already starting to shift.

And with the FA known for springing a surprise or two, there could be a few longshot contenders worth keeping an eye on too.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down the latest odds, analyse the leading contenders, and assess what the future might hold for the England hot seat.

Whether you’re looking to place a savvy bet or just want to stay ahead of the conversation, read on for everything you need to know about the Next England Manager Odds.

The Departure of Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England manager concluded after the team’s narrow defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Under his leadership, England reached significant milestones, including a World Cup semi-final in 2018 and a European Championship final in 2021.

Despite these achievements, the elusive major tournament victory led to Southgate’s decision to step down, prompting the FA to seek a new direction.

The Appointment of Thomas Tuchel Lands 50/1 Gamble for Shrewd Early Punters

Amidst an array of candidates and a flurry of betting activity in a heated market, Thomas Tuchel emerged as the FA’s chosen successor to Southgate, being backed in heavily from an initial price of 50/1 into eventual odds of 1.20 (1/5) in the days leading up to his appointment.

There were a number of contenders vying for favouritism at various stages in the race to replace Southgate however, including Pep Guardiola who hit odds of 2.24 (5/4) at one point and interim manager Lee Carsley who was backed at odds of 1.05 (1/20).

Ultimately though it was the German Tuchel who got the nod from the FA to take over the reins as Three Lions boss, landing a decent gamble for those shrewd punters who had backed him at initial odds of 50/1. 

The German tactician, renowned for his strategic acumen and experience at top clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, was appointed on an 18-month contract starting January 1, 2025.

Tuchel’s familiarity with English football, having led Chelsea to a Champions League triumph in 2021, and his rapport with several English players were pivotal factors in his appointment.

His ability to instill discipline, adapt tactics, and manage high-profile squads aligned with the FA’s aspirations for the national team.

However, with Tuchel’s contract only running until after the 2026 World Cup, speculation is already growing on who might replace him should the German not achieve glory in America next year.  

The Contenders to be Tuchel’s Successor

Whilst Tuchel’s rein has got off to a solid start, given that England are currently priced at around 7/1 to win the 2026 World Cup, there’s a fair chance (according to the bookies at least) that Tuchel won’t be coming home with the World Cup trophy and the hunt will be on for his successor next Summer. 

And of course in the unlikely event that England don’t qualify for the next World Cup or there are some other unforeseen circumstances, the German’s stint in charge could be over even sooner. 

So speculation has already started on who may succeed Tuchel as next England manager and lead them into Euro 2028, which is being held in the home nations of England, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

We take a look at some of the runners and riders to take the reins for the big job after Tuchel and what their odds could be. ​

Eddie Howe

Eddie Howe is widely regarded as one of the brightest English managers of his generation, and his name has consistently cropped up in conversations around the England job.

His managerial career began at AFC Bournemouth, where he pulled off what many consider to be a footballing miracle.

Taking over a club teetering on the brink of extinction and sitting near the bottom of League Two, Howe masterminded a rise through the divisions that culminated in promotion to the Premier League in 2015—a first in the club’s history.

What made Howe’s achievement even more impressive was the way his Bournemouth side played. Known for attractive, attacking football with a clear identity, Howe’s tactical philosophy earned him praise across the footballing world.

He kept Bournemouth in the top flight for five seasons—an incredible feat given their modest budget and stature compared to the Premier League giants.

After a brief sabbatical following his departure from Bournemouth in 2020, Howe returned to management with Newcastle United in November 2021.

Taking over a side stuck in the relegation zone and under new ownership, he quickly transformed their fortunes. Within 18 months, Newcastle not only secured Champions League qualification but also reached the EFL Cup final in 2023—their first major final since 1999.

He went one better in 2025, delivering Newcastle their first silverware in 70 years with victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. Howe’s stock is very much on the up and he will undoubtedly be one of the favourites for the job after Tuchel.

Howe’s coaching style emphasises structured build-up play, energetic pressing, and player development—all traits that would be desirable for an international setup. He’s also shown that he can handle pressure, build cohesive squads, and tactically adapt to different opponents, which is vital in tournament football.

Howe’s odds ranged from 3.75 (11/4) to 9.0 (8/1) for much of the contest to replace Gareth Southgate, eventually drifting out to 13.0 (12/1) when Tuchel emerged as the clear front-runner. 

We expect Howe’s odds next time to be even lower, starting out in the 2.0 (evens) to 4.0 (3/1) range. 

The main challenge for the FA, should they consider Howe after Tuchel, is that he appears committed to the Newcastle project for the long term. He’s building something substantial at St James’ Park, and prising him away might not be easy—unless the lure of leading his country proves too strong.

The key question may be whether Howe will be ready for a fresh challenge by the Autumn of 2026 or whether he is still focused on his work at Newcastle at that time. 

Graham Potter

Graham Potter is another English coach who has attracted considerable attention in recent years, particularly for his intelligent, forward-thinking approach to management.

Potter first gained recognition not in the Premier League, but in Sweden—of all places—where he managed Östersunds FK. When he took over in 2011, they were in the fourth tier of Swedish football.

Under Potter’s guidance, they achieved three promotions in five years and ended up winning the Swedish Cup in 2017. They even enjoyed a fairytale Europa League run, famously beating Galatasaray and giving Arsenal a real scare.

That continental success earned him a move to Swansea City in the Championship, where his team played attractive, possession-based football.

Although they didn’t achieve promotion, Potter’s style and vision caught the attention of Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, who hired him in 2019.

At Brighton, Potter built a reputation for tactical flexibility, progressive football, and making the most of a modest squad. His team frequently outperformed expectations in terms of xG (expected goals), even if results didn’t always match.

Eventually, Brighton started to convert their underlying performance into results, finishing in the top half of the Premier League before he left for Chelsea in 2022.

Potter’s time at Chelsea was short-lived and somewhat chaotic, but it’s widely accepted that he was working in extremely difficult circumstances—managing a bloated, imbalanced squad during a turbulent period for the club.

Despite the struggles, he maintained his reputation as a thoughtful, analytical coach who is deeply committed to improving players and building long-term projects.

In the context of the England job, Potter ticks many boxes. He’s English, has experience working with young players, and is known for his calm, measured demeanour—qualities often desirable in international football.

His teams are tactically astute, capable of switching between systems mid-game, and generally well-drilled in both defence and attack.

All of these attributes made him an attractive option to replace Southgate and his odds reflected that, starting out as a prohibitive favourite at odds of 2.5 (6/4) in the Summer of 2024, before drifting out towards 4.0 (3/1) as other contenders emerged, before finally drifting out above 15.0 (14/1) as it became clear the FA were looking elsewhere. 

We expect Potter to start amongst the favourites for the job again, but whether the opportunity has now passed for Potter and the FA’s attention will be elsewhere is an open question. 

​He has not set the world alight yet at West Ham either, with the hammers languishing towards the bottom end of the Premier League table. An improvement in form between now and Summer 2026 would do a lot for Potter’s chances.  

Mauricio Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino has long been regarded as one of the most respected modern football managers, especially among English fans.

His name naturally surfaced in discussions about the England role, thanks to his deep understanding of the English game and impressive managerial pedigree.

Pochettino first made waves in the Premier League with Southampton, where he earned plaudits for transforming the club’s playing style and helping develop future England stars like Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, and Jay Rodriguez.

His tactical nous, emphasis on high pressing, and ability to get the best out of young players earned him a move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2014.

At Spurs, he truly made his mark. Over five and a half years, Pochettino established Tottenham as a regular top-four side in the Premier League and took them to the Champions League final in 2019—a remarkable achievement considering the club’s limited spending during that period.

His time at Spurs was defined by exciting football, player development (most notably Harry Kane and Dele Alli), and a near miss at silverware that nonetheless enhanced his reputation.

After leaving Spurs, he took charge of Paris Saint-Germain, where he finally lifted some major trophies, including the French Cup and Trophée des Champions.

He also guided PSG to the semi-finals of the Champions League, but like many before him, struggled to manage the egos in a superstar-packed dressing room. 

More recently, he had a mixed stint at Chelsea, where despite flashes of promise, he couldn’t quite stabilise the club amidst off-pitch chaos.

All of this experience—especially managing in high-pressure environments, developing young talent, and working with elite players—seems perfectly suited to the England job.

Pochettino also has a good relationship with many current England players and speaks fluent English, which would make the transition to the national side relatively seamless.

However, with Pochettino taking the role of head coach of the United States national team, it could significantly impact his future chances of managing England.

While it would still provide him with international experience, managing a CONCACAF nation with less competitive fixtures and a lower pressure environment might not hold the same weight with the FA as managing a top European side.

Moreover, if he were to take the USA job and remain there for several years, it might signal a shift in his career focus—perhaps favouring long-term international development over the elite intensity of European football.

That could put him at a disadvantage if and when the England job becomes available again after Thomas Tuchel’s tenure.

That said, football is a fast-moving game. If Pochettino impresses with the USMNT—particularly in the run-up to and in the 2026 World Cup, which they are co-hosting—he could well strengthen his candidacy for the England role in the future.

After all, the FA has never been shy of appointing foreign managers if they fit the bill, and Pochettino’s stock remains high in England.

The Argentine started out at around 13 (12/1) for the England job after Southgate resigned, but drifted from there as other contenders emerged. 

We expect him to start out at similar odds, it not a little higher given his current role with the USMNT. However, should speculation linking him with the job start to emerge, don’t be surprised if those odds fall precipitously.  

Pep Guardiola 

When it comes to football management, Pep Guardiola is arguably the most admired and decorated coach of the modern era.

While the idea of him taking over the England job might seem ambitious or even far-fetched to some, he’s often been mentioned in speculative discussions—especially as his current contract at Manchester City draws closer to its end.

Guardiola’s managerial career began with a bang at Barcelona, where he ushered in a golden era between 2008 and 2012.

In his first season alone, he won the La Liga title, Copa del Rey, and Champions League, completing a historic treble.

With players like Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta at their peak, Guardiola implemented his now-iconic tiki-taka style—possession-based, fluid football that dominated Europe. In total, he won 14 trophies in four seasons at Barça.

After a brief sabbatical, he joined Bayern Munich, where he won three consecutive Bundesliga titles and further refined his tactical philosophy.

Although a Champions League trophy eluded him in Germany, he maintained an exceptional win rate and helped evolve Bayern into a more complete team tactically.

Then came the Manchester City era. Since taking over in 2016, Guardiola has transformed the club into a domestic powerhouse.

He’s won multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, League Cups, and finally guided City to their first-ever Champions League triumph in 2023, completing a historic treble.

His ability to constantly innovate—whether through inverted full-backs, false nines, or positional play—has kept City at the cutting edge of football.

So, would Pep be a good fit for England?

On paper, absolutely. Guardiola is a master tactician who knows how to win. He has experience working with many of England’s top players—Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, John Stones, and Kyle Walker, to name a few.

His methods are demanding but effective, and his attention to detail could elevate England to the very highest level.

He’s also expressed admiration for the English game and has spent more years managing in England than anywhere else. That familiarity, combined with his deep tactical knowledge, makes him a tantalising prospect for the FA.

However, there are a few caveats. First, Guardiola has always preferred the day-to-day intensity of club football, where he can work with players on a regular basis to fine-tune tactics and systems.

The international calendar, with its limited training time and sporadic fixtures, might not suit his coaching style.

Second, his salary and demands would be among the highest of any manager in the world—something the FA would need to consider seriously.

And third, Guardiola has previously hinted that he might take a break or even retire from management once his time at City is up.

That said, he’s also said he would be open to managing at international level one day—potentially even with England. If that moment aligns with the end of Tuchel’s tenure, and if Pep is still hungry for success, the stars could (just maybe) align.

Last time Guardiola started as a relative outsider at odds of 15.0 (14/1) and higher in the Summer, before being backed into a 2.25 (5/4) favourite by October. 

The Spaniard’s current contract at Man City is due to expire in 2027, so there’s a chance he may consider the England job if it’s available after the next World Cup. If he indicates an interest in the job again, expect his odds to be prohibitively short. 

Otherwise, we would expect his odds to be at a similar level to where they were at the start of the race to replace Southgate – in double digits. 

Jurgen Klopp

Few managers have captured the hearts of English football fans quite like Jürgen Klopp.

Charismatic, passionate, and tactically astute, Klopp is a natural leader whose name is regularly floated when discussing potential England managers—especially now that he has stepped away from club football after a hugely successful spell at Liverpool.

Klopp’s managerial journey began in his native Germany, where he managed Mainz 05 and achieved promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time in the club’s history. His success there led him to Borussia Dortmund, where he truly announced himself on the world stage.

At Dortmund, Klopp built a dynamic and fearless team that broke Bayern Munich’s stranglehold on German football, winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010–11 and 2011–12.

His side also won the DFB-Pokal and reached the Champions League final in 2013, losing narrowly to Bayern. Known for his “gegenpressing” style—high-intensity pressing and fast transitions—Klopp’s teams became known for their energy, discipline, and unity.

In 2015, he took the reins at Liverpool, and over the next eight years, transformed the club into one of the most feared sides in Europe.

Under his leadership, Liverpool ended their 30-year wait for a Premier League title in 2019–20, won the Champions League in 2019, and collected further silverware including the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup. He also built one of the most exciting front threes in world football in Salah, Mané, and Firmino.

But Klopp’s influence goes beyond trophies. He’s a phenomenal man-manager, someone who builds strong relationships with players and fans alike. His teams are always greater than the sum of their parts—a valuable trait in international football, where building unity and morale is crucial.

So, could Klopp be the man to lead England after Thomas Tuchel?

Well, in terms of profile, he fits the bill perfectly. He’s managed in the Premier League for nearly a decade, understands English football inside out, and has worked with or against virtually every player in the England setup.

He’s also coached key England internationals such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson, and Joe Gomez—so integration wouldn’t be an issue.

Klopp has also shown he can thrive under immense pressure and handle the expectations of a demanding fanbase—something England managers know all too well.

There’s one significant hurdle though: Klopp has announced he is taking a break from football after leaving Liverpool in 2024, citing burnout and the need to recharge.

Whether that break turns into a short sabbatical or a long-term retreat from management remains to be seen. Klopp has hinted in the past that international management doesn’t appeal to him as much as the daily rhythm of club football.

However, time off can often change perspectives. If, after a year or two away, Klopp rediscovers his hunger and sees the England job as a new challenge worth taking on, the FA would almost certainly be interested.

The question would be whether Klopp is willing to adapt to the unique demands of international football, which involves less day-to-day coaching but potentially even higher emotional pressure in short bursts.

Last time Klopp started out at odds of around 17.0 (16/1) and whilst he was backed into 9.0 (8/1) at one point, a gamble never really materialised and he drifted out to 21 (20/1) and eventually 81.0 (80/1). 

We imagine there would have to be a clear hint from the German that he was interested in the job for the odds for Klopp to replace Tuchel to be in single digits.

Not least because the FA might be reluctant to replace one German with another – something that may be a bridge too far for some England fans. 

Lee Carsley

Lee Carsley, the England Under-21 head coach, was appointed as interim manager following Southgate’s departure.

His success with the U21 squad, notably leading them to a European Championship victory, positioned him as a strong contender for the permanent role. Carsley’s familiarity with England’s youth system and his rapport with emerging talents made him a logical choice. 

He was backed all the way into 1.05 (1/20) at one stage and looked a racing certainty at that point.

However, despite his interim successes, the FA sought a candidate with extensive senior managerial experience.

Having been passed over last time for Tuchel, we would be surprised if Carsley was amongst the favourites next time and expect his odds to be considerably higher this time. 

Other Contenders

While most of the attention falls on proven elite-level managers, every England manager market has its share of outside bets—those whose names generate buzz despite being less likely candidates.

Among them, high-profile former players like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and even Zinedine Zidane have all been mentioned as possible future England managers. So, how realistic are their chances?

Steven Gerrard

Once touted as a future England boss in waiting, Steven Gerrard looked on a fast track to the top after an impressive spell at Rangers, where he ended Celtic’s nine-in-a-row dominance by delivering the Scottish Premiership title in 2020–21.

His team went unbeaten in the league that season and showed clear signs of tactical discipline and leadership under his guidance.

That success earned him a shot in the Premier League with Aston Villa, but his time there was far less convincing. He struggled to implement a clear playing style and was dismissed after less than a year in charge.

Gerrard’s next move—to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq—raised eyebrows and arguably set him back in terms of future England credentials.

While he remains a respected figure in English football and a natural leader, he’ll need to return to European football and rebuild his managerial reputation before being taken seriously as a contender for the national job.

Still, if he does find his footing at club level and builds on his early promise, the FA might be tempted by the narrative of a former England captain leading the Three Lions.

Frank Lampard

Like Gerrard, Frank Lampard was once seen as a rising managerial star. His early work at Derby County, where he led the team to the Championship play-off final in 2019, showcased his man-management skills and attacking philosophy.

This led to a dream job at Chelsea, where he managed to secure a top-four finish and gave debuts to a host of young English players like Mason Mount, Reece James, and Tammy Abraham—a move that aligned with what many consider a key strength for an international manager.

However, his tenure at Chelsea eventually unravelled due to inconsistent results, and short stints at Everton and a caretaker return to Chelsea in 2023 did little to enhance his reputation.

Right now, Lampard would be considered a major outsider for the England job, and like Gerrard, he would need to take on a more successful long-term club project before re-entering the national team conversation.

Zinedine Zidane

And then there’s Zinedine Zidane—a glamorous but unlikely candidate.

Zidane’s credentials are beyond question. As manager of Real Madrid, he won an astonishing three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, alongside two La Liga titles.

He’s known for his calm authority, elite man-management, and ability to handle huge personalities—traits that would suit any international job.

So why is he a longshot for England?

Firstly, Zidane doesn’t speak English fluently, and communication is a crucial part of leading a national side, especially one as media-scrutinised as England. Secondly, he has always seemed more inclined toward managing France, his home nation, should he move into international football.

However, Zidane has been without a job since 2021, and there have been murmurs that he’s open to managing a national team outside France if the project and timing are right.

The England job could, in theory, appeal to him as a fresh challenge with a talented squad. But for now, it feels like a fantasy football pick rather than a realistic next move.

All three of the above were always considers outsiders to replace Southgate with odds often around the 50/1 mark and we wouldn’t be surprised to see something in the betting to replace Tuchel unless something strange happens. 

Implications for England’s Future

Tuchel’s appointment signifies a bold move by the FA, opting for a manager with a blend of international experience and familiarity with English football.

His tenure is anticipated to bring tactical innovation and a fresh perspective to the squad. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Tuchel’s leadership will be crucial in harnessing England’s talent pool and translating potential into tangible success.​

Fans and pundits alike will be keenly observing how Tuchel integrates his philosophies into the team, manages player dynamics, and approaches upcoming competitions.

The hope is that his appointment will usher in a new era of achievement for English football on the international stage.

If he fails to achieve glory with England, we are set for another fascinating betting heat to see who will be appointed Tuchel’s successor.

Former England Managers

​Whoever takes over from Tuchel, they will follow a long list of luminaries to have led the Three Lions over the years. 

Conclusion

As the Thomas Tuchel era gets underway, the eyes of the nation—and the bookies—are already looking ahead to what might come next.

With England aiming to lift the 2026 World Cup, Tuchel’s success or failure on the world stage will shape the FA’s next move.

Whether it’s a tactical master like Pep Guardiola, a homegrown favourite like Eddie Howe, or an outsider ready to spring a surprise, the race to be the next England manager is set to be every bit as dramatic as the matches themselves.

The next England manager odds will continue to fluctuate as club fortunes rise and fall, international tournaments play out, and new stars emerge on the touchline.

For punters and fans alike, it’s a fascinating market full of potential value—and endless talking points.

One thing’s for sure: the battle for the biggest job in English football is just beginning. And whether you’re betting, speculating, or just along for the ride, there’s plenty more drama to come.