Six winners and losers after Gareth Southgate quits as England boss after Euro 2024
England's stars will soon find themselves with a new manager after Gareth Southgate brought his eight-year stay to a close and the Three Lions begin a new era ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Gareth Southgate's time as England boss has come to an end and a new era awaits the Three Lions as they prepare for the World Cup in 2026.
The 53-year-old former Middlesbrough manager departs after 102 matches in charge of the national side. He oversaw a period where England twice reached the final of the European Championships and made a World Cup semi-final. Southgate was unable to overcome the final hurdles to land England with a trophy but even with a talented crop of players, whoever takes over will have a big job to follow.
Names such as Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino and ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp have already been linked with succeeding Southgate. England's internationals will now eagerly wait to discover who they must impress next.
The Football Association's next steps will provide hope to those cast aside and perhaps leave some of Southgate's trusted lieutenants looking over their shoulder. Mirror Football takes a look at some of the winners and losers from Southgate's departure.
Winners
Ben White
The Arsenal star made himself unavailable for selection earlier this year and has not featured for the Three Lions since leaving the squad during the Qatar World Cup. A reported falling out with Southgate's assistant Steve Holland appears to have seen White take such a position.
Presuming Holland departs with the former England boss, perhaps White could be open to returning to the set-up. With the versatility he offers across the backline and midfield, the 26-year-old could prove a key player for a future manager.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool's star is regarded by many as the best full-back the country has to offer. Despite that, he has struggled to command a regular place under Southgate and after seeing a foray in midfield come to an end, endured a limited role at Euro 2024.
Southgate oversaw a side that was often primarily focused on defensive rigidity, with Alexander-Arnold better known for his attacking contributions than stonewall defending. Should the next coach prove more adventurous, the Reds' academy product will stand to benefit.
Jack Grealish
The Man City midfielder had to put in time to convince Southgate he was worthy of a place in his squads but missed out this summer after a disappointing domestic campaign. The additional experience earned by players such as Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon will make his return to the side more difficult, but a new boss will ensure he undergoes new assessment in 2024/25.
First and foremost the 28-year-old will need to improve his form under Pep Guardiola. Where Southgate may already have moved on, a new opportunity may arise however.
Losers
Harry Maguire
The Manchester United defender was in England's provisional squad for Euro 2024 but was unable to prove his fitness to make the final 26-man squad. Regardless, Maguire was undoubtedly one of Southgate's most trusted players during his time in charge.
The 31-year-old central defender may already have been set for an uphill task after Marc Guehi's impressive stint in the side but could now miss the cut if a new coach plans a fresh slate for the future. It could be a long road back into the squad for the experienced head.
At 34, Walker may be England's most experienced player. The Man City defender has been a stalwart of the starting lineup during Southgate's time in charge but faces plenty of competition.
The veteran's task to retain his spot will prove more difficult should White return to the squad, while there are a number of options in the same position who could provide competition. Should the new boss want to fully focus on a new cycle, Walker could become a victim of any refresh.
Kieran Trippier
The Newcastle star proved a saviour on the left side in Luke Shaw's absence but provides more quality on the right side of the pitch. The former Atletico Madrid defender sees himself in a position similar to that of Walker and at 33, his days representing the Three Lions may be numbered.
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