Gareth Southgate, the current England manager, is reportedly among the candidates to succeed Roy Hodgson as Crystal Palace manager, according to a report.
Hodgson, 76, returned for a second spell in charge of the Eagles in spring 2023, replacing Patrick Vieira after initially leaving his post at the end of the 2020/21 season.
Hodgson’s return to the Selhurst Park dugout initially yielded positive results. However, amid Crystal Palace’s struggles in the Premier League, the former England head coach has faced increasing pressure to step down from his post.
Since the New Year, Palace fans have voiced their discontent through protests, particularly following heavy away defeats to Arsenal (5-0) and Brighton & Hove Albion (4-1).
Hodgson faced further criticism after a first-half collapse at the Amex Stadium. He was particularly lambasted for bringing on Michael Olise at halftime, despite the winger having recently come off injured in the previous game against Sheffield United. Unfortunately, Olise suffered a serious hamstring issue moments after entering the game.
Despite mounting pressure from frustrated fans urging Crystal Palace to part ways with Hodgson, the club is reportedly hesitant to make a mid-season change due to a lack of available candidates willing to take on the job.
However, Hodgson’s contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign. It’s anticipated that he will step down from the Selhurst Park hotseat for a second time this summer, prompting the Palace hierarchy to begin the search for a long-term replacement.
According to The Sun, Crystal Palace could make an audacious attempt to lure Gareth Southgate away from the England setup after Euro 2024. Southgate, 53, is reportedly only contracted with the Three Lions until the end of the calendar year, opening the door for a potential move to Selhurst Park.