A new chapter abroad could be in store for Gareth Southgate.
Southgate resigned as England manager on Tuesday after eight years in the role following the team’s defeat to Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.
There has been speculation that the 53-year-old could be a candidate for the U.S. men’s national team, which fired coach Gregg Berhalter after a disappointing exit from the group stage of the Copa America.
“As a proud British man, it has been the honour of a lifetime to play for and manage England,” Southgate said in a statement released by the Football Association (FA).
“But it is time for a change and the start of a new chapter. Sunday’s final against Spain in Berlin was my last game as England manager.”
Southgate, who managed the national team in 2016, was under contract until December, but ESPN The FA wanted him to stay until the 2026 World Cup. He chose to leave the Three Lions early.
The former England footballer made 57 appearances for the national team.
During his eight years as manager, he led the team to consecutive European Championship finals and a World Cup quarter-final and semi-final.
There has been growing interest among pundits, fans and former United States internationals that Southgate could succeed Berhalter as manager after former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp missed an opportunity to discuss the vacant position.
Tim Howard, a former star goalkeeper for the United States men’s national team and current English Premier League commentator for NBC Sports, said: He wrote a column for the Daily Mail. The pressure is on them to go after Southgate or former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Howard wrote: “The clock is ticking toward the 2026 World Cup and the U.S. national team is in disarray. Who should U.S. Soccer target next after Jurgen Klopp said no? They’ve got to get this right.”
according to Paul Tenorio Southgate, a senior reporter for The Athletic Soccer, said he shouldn’t be ruled out as a possible successor given his relationship with U.S. Soccer Federation sporting director Matt Crocker.
USMNT thoughts Post to X, “Gareth Southgate has left England and is now firmly on the rumoured USMNT shortlist, and Matt Crocker knows him well, but that would be like firing Berhalter and hiring the manager Berhalter wants to be,” they wrote.
After failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and suffering a heartbreaking loss to the Netherlands in the round of 16 in 2022, the United States is seeking a coach who can effectively lead the team as hosts of the 2026 World Cup.
From ESPNEuropean prospects David Wagner and Steve Cherundolo are considered the front-runners to represent the USMNT.
Domestically, Philadelphia Union manager Jim Curtin and Wilfried Nancy, who won the MLS Cup in his debut season with Columbus Crew, are also likely candidates.
As for England, ESPN sources say Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Pochettino are the Leading candidates to replace Southgate.
