Thomas Tuchel is under serious pressure after England's defeat to Argentina, with tactical decisions squandering what was arguably their best chance to reach a World Cup final since 1966. After Anthony Gordon's opener, England sat back and invited pressure, leading to a dramatic collapse. Growing calls for Tuchel's sacking have emerged, though he remains under contract until Euro 2028 and stated he intends to see out his deal. However, should he leave, several candidates are waiting in the wings.
Pep Guardiola: The Romantic Choice
The legendary Spaniard is the romantic choice and is being touted as the ideal replacement. At club level, he has won everything and is lauded as one of the greatest managers. Guardiola has previously toyed with coaching a national team but remains untested in that sphere, where coaches have little time to implement ideas. He may not want to risk tarnishing his reputation by taking a job where success is defined by winning the World Cup, something England hasn't done since 1966.
Eddie Howe: The Homegrown Candidate
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has long been mentioned as the standout homegrown candidate. His achievements in English club football speak for themselves, bringing exceptional man-management and proven ability to build successful teams over time. However, he isn't the sexiest name, and a large portion of England fans might be unwilling to give him time, putting him on the back foot from the start.
Lee Carsley: The System Insider
Lee Carsley is an even less attractive name to some, with handing him the reins deemed uninspiring. However, he knows the England system intimately, and many top sides like Spain and Argentina are managed by coaches who progressed through international ranks. Carsley showed green shoots during his temporary spell before Tuchel arrived, but the chastening home defeat to Greece damaged his reputation.
Frank Lampard: The Left-Field Operator
Former Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard would be a left-field candidate but is proving himself as a shrewd operator. Despite being a young coach, he boasts plenty of experience and is coming off a record-breaking promotion campaign with Coventry City. However, as a member of the Golden Generation that failed with England, questions remain about whether he knows what it takes to succeed on the international stage.
