Following Gareth Southgate’s resignation, the FA is looking for a new England manager and may offer Steven Gerrard the opportunity to return to the national team. Steven Gerrard could be given the opportunity to coach England’s U21s as part of the FA’s strategy to discover Gareth Southgate’s replacement. The Three Lions manager announced his resignation on Tuesday (July 14), following eight years in charge. This came just two days after England lost 2-1 to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. With England’s participation in the Nations League in September looming, the FA has begun planning for who would succeed Southgate, with current U21 boss Lee Carsley among the early favourites, according to the Mirror.
The former Everton player guided the U21s to victory at last year’s Euros, defeating Spain in the final. Since his appointment in 2021, he has impressed the FA and proven loyalty by turning down the Ireland senior position as well as other Championship opportunities. Carsley, who played 198 games for Everton, is well-regarded by the FA and is anticipated to be interviewed for the position as part of the governing body’s recruitment process, according to Mail Sport. If he is selected, Gerrard may replace the position left vacant by his former Merseyside Derby opponent.
Before taking up the management role at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia last year, the Liverpool icon was connected with the Young Lions position. According to The Telegraph, Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Scott Parker are potential successors for Carsley if he decides to depart after the U21 European Championship last summer.
According to reports, the FA’s interest in appointing Steven Gerrard to the U21 role is a strategic move to “start grooming” him as part of a succession plan, similar to Gareth Southgate’s promotion to senior team manager in 2016 following his three-year time with the Young Lions. With the search for Southgate’s replacement ongoing, Gerrard may decide to leave the rich Saudi Arabian scene and return to England to foster the country’s future talents.
Meanwhile, the Liverpool star has been connected with Southgate’s old post but, like Lampard, is regarded a long shot. Fellow English managers Graham Potter and Eddie Howe are thought to be the frontrunners, while Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel are also strong contenders.
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