Manchester United legend Paul Scholes believes two managers are in the best position to succeed Gareth Southgate as the next England manager.
Gareth Southgate stepped down in the aftermath of Euro 2024 in Germany after England fell short of the Henri Delaunay trophy this summer.
England’s hopes of capturing their first major piece of silverware since the 1966 World Cup were dashed in a 2-1 defeat to Spain at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
Southgate had taken charge of England in 2016 after Sam Allardyce stepped down from his role and led the Three Lions to four major international tournaments.
England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia under Southgate before the Three Lions finished runners-up at Euro 2020.
The Three Lions made the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before Southgate’s men were knocked out of the competition in a 2-1 defeat to France.
Scholes praises one England-linked manager
Gareth Southgate was met with heavy criticism over England’s lacklustre performances at Euro 2024, despite reaching the final with the Three Lions.
England struggled to deliver consistent performances at this summer’s Euros and the Three Lions were outclassed in the final by an in-form Spain team.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Paul Scholes admitted that Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is seen as the favourite to replace Southgate as England head coach.
Eddie Howe has been praised for his work at Newcastle, including securing a top-four finish for the Magpies in the 2022-23 Premier League season.
“A lot of people would agree that it would be Eddie Howe at this minute,” Scholes said, as per the Metro.
“He’s doing a great job at Newcastle, he’s a fantastic coach. Can he take them to that next level? I don’t know.
“But I think he’s the one most likely that he would be most capable.”
Scholes’ ‘ideal’ pick for England role
Despite his admiration for Eddie Howe, Paul Scholes suggested that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola would be the “ideal man” to take England forward.
Guardiola is out of contract with Manchester City next summer and the Spaniard’s long-term future at the Etihad remains shrouded in mystery.
The 53-year-old City boss has dominated the Premier League with Manchester United’s crosstown rivals in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era of English football.
Speaking on Guardiola, Scholes said: “I think somebody like Pep with this group of players, I think he’d get them over the line.
“If that’s possible, I don’t know, but I think he would be the ideal man to take this team forward.”
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