If England fail to impress at the Euro 2016 competition, Roy Hodgson, the Three Lions manager will be sacked, Football Association’s chief executive Martin Glenn revealed on Wednesday night.
Hodgson’s contract expires at the end of the 2016 tournament, and his future will not be confirmed until after the Euros.
“I have spoken to Roy,” Glenn said. “The air didn’t really need clearing to be honest. I had a cup of coffee with him, which turned into a few drinks. We are all on the same page.
“Roy is a really good manager and he would be the last person in the world who if – and I don’t think it will happen – but if we had a bad Euros, he would not expect to be kept on. He is a proud man.”
In light of this surprising – or perhaps unsurprising – news, we’ve taken a look at 10 managers who could replace Hodgson in the Wembley Stadium dug-out.
10. Gareth Southgate
A poor Euro 2015 from his Under-21 squad saw Southgate receive the axe from his role of overseeing England’s development teams.
With the pressure of handling the senior side much higher, the former Middlesbrough defender would be a huge gamble – but he will surely be a name given serious consideration by the FA.
9. Gary Neville
As coach of the England national team, Neville is already part of the senior squad’s setup and must be among the top contenders to replace Hodgson if he is given the boot.
But, with no managerial experience, this would be a huge gamble by the FA.
Or would it?
8. Harry Redknapp
Redknapp was heavily linked with the position and was expected to get the nod ahead of Roy Hodgson three-years ago.
Many were disappointed that the former Tottenham Hotspur boss was spurned the opportunity to manage England, but he could still be in with another chance at the job.
He left Queens Park Rangers at the end of the January transfer window to undergo knee replacement surgery, and could be ready to return to the game in a years’ time.
7. Gary Monk
Monk appears to have the maturity to become a fine manager, with Swansea City continuing to impress in the Premier League under his guidance.
More experience is needed before he should realistically be considered for the role, but he looks to be a future England boss in the making.
6. Alan Pardew
Most would agree that Pardew would be a terrible choice.
Prone to controversial outbursts, he doesn’t quite fit the clean-cut image that the FA desire.
After Crystal Palace’s superb form since he was lured to Selhurst Park last January, however, his name may be on the shortlist.
5. Sam Allardyce
Big Sam was unceremoniously sacked by West Ham at the end of last season, and must still be feeling bitter over his Upton Park departure.
He seems content with not rushing into a new job, and could be eagerly eyeing the comments of Glenn.
He would certainly ruffle a few feathers in the England squad, but the concern would be on his favoured style of play.
4. Jurgen Klopp
Klopp left Borussia Dortmund at the end of last season, and may be searching for that perfect opportunity.
Any club would get excited at the prospect of the German coaching their side, but at 48-years-old, perhaps he isn’t prepared to jump into international football just yet.
3. Pep Guardiola
The Spaniard’s contract at the Allianz Arena is set to expire next summer, and it’s looking increasingly likely that he won’t extend his stay.
Reports at the end of July claimed that Guardiola has reached an agreement to manage Manchester City in a years’ time, but could England pounce on his possible availability?
The Three Lions are often criticised for their uninspired style of play, and if there’s one man capable of igniting that missing spark, it’s Pep Guardiola.
2. Brendan Rodgers
Rodgers was mightily impressive at Swansea City and in his early career at Liverpool.
The big concern with the Northern Irish manager is his decision-making in the transfer market, but with that not an issue in international football, he could be an ideal fit for England.
1. Jose Mourinho
After Mourinho’s attitude since the start of the new season, there will be plenty unhappy to see his name on the potential shortlist.
Despite boasting an outstanding CV, his need to pass blame onto others to spare his ego the brunt of criticism would certainly upset plenty at the FA and in the squad.
Nonetheless, such fire could be exactly what England is missing.
