The Football Association board has officially approved the appointment of a foreign manager to replace Gareth Southgate. Chief executive Mark Bullingham sought the backing of his fellow board members to approach foreign candidates before starting the recruitment process. The board agreed to Bullingham’s request without a formal vote, although there were some differing opinions.
This decision demonstrates that the FA is open to considering various options for the next England men’s manager and is committed to selecting the best candidate for the job. The success of Sarina Wiegman in leading England’s women to victory in the 2022 European Championship was highlighted during the board discussions as a positive example of hiring a foreign manager.
Leading overseas candidates such as Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel are being considered, as they are currently available after leaving their respective clubs last season. However, their salary demands may pose a challenge for the FA, which was paying Southgate approximately £5 million per year. English contenders, including Eddie Howe from Newcastle and Graham Potter, who has been without a club for 16 months, are also in the running.
The search for the new manager is being overseen by Bullingham and technical director John McDermott. They will compile a shortlist of candidates and conduct interviews before seeking the board’s approval for their chosen appointment. With England’s next game scheduled for early September, interim charge may be given to under-21 manager Lee Carsley, who led his team to victory in the European Under-21 Championship last summer.
Carsley’s success in the under-21 tournament makes him a potential candidate for the permanent position. Bullingham, who is appointing his first senior England men’s manager, emphasized the importance of having a succession plan in place for key roles within the organization. This plan includes considerations for short-term cover and a structured process for selecting candidates.
As the FA continues its search for the new manager, the focus remains on finding the right individual to lead the England men’s team to future success. The upcoming Nations League tie in September adds urgency to the selection process, highlighting the need for a swift and effective decision-making process. The FA is determined to make a thoughtful and strategic choice that will benefit the team in the long run.
