Here are the greatest managers in England Currently!
England is experiencing a golden era of young talent, though managerial depth is less pronounced. With Gareth Southgate potentially considering his future after the Euro 2024 final, we explore some of the most promising English managers, both emerging and experienced, who might be contenders for the England job.
Eddie Howe earned acclaim for leading Bournemouth from League Two to the Premier League and maintaining their status for four seasons. Since taking over Newcastle from Steve Bruce following the club’s high-profile takeover in October 2021, Howe has revitalized the team, returning Champions League football to St James' Park after 20 years. Although the 2023/24 season proved challenging, Howe remains a strong contender for the England manager role, consistently featured among the top choices for the position.
England came agonizingly close to ending their trophy drought at Euro 2024 under Gareth Southgate, their most successful manager since Sir Alf Ramsey. Southgate’s achievements, including two consecutive European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final, have certainly restored pride and set new benchmarks for the Three Lions. However, despite his impressive record, criticism of his tactical approach during the tournament has led many to question whether it might be time for a change.
Sean Dyche, known for his no-nonsense, pragmatic style of football, has shown he’s much more than a one-trick pony during his 18 months at Everton. Despite the club’s financial turmoil and two points deductions, Dyche managed to steer Everton to safety after his dramatic survival act in 2022/23, securing a 15th-place finish last season. His ability to extract the best from every team he manages remains a notable strength.
Rob Edwards needed just seven months at Luton to script one of football's great comeback stories, guiding the Hatters from non-League to the Premier League after starting the season with their rivals, Watford. His swift rise from Forest Green in League Two to the top flight was remarkable. Although Luton couldn't secure Premier League survival, they fared better than fellow promoted teams Burnley and Sheffield United. As a result, Edwards will have the opportunity to lead their resurgence this season.
At just 41, he's only two years into his managerial career but has already made a strong impression. His dismissal from Bournemouth after successfully keeping them in the Premier League during the 2022/23 season was widely criticised. However, he quickly found a new role at Wolves, where he revitalised the team with a more adventurous style of play. Last season, Wolves scored 50 Premier League goals—a significant improvement from the 36, 38, and 31 goals in the previous three seasons—demonstrating O’Neil’s tactical versatility and adaptability.
Although he's been out of the game since his Chelsea dismissal in April 2023, the 49-year-old is simply being selective about his next move rather than lacking offers, with Ajax and Leicester City recently expressing interest. Praised by the likes of Marcelo Bielsa and Pep Guardiola, Potter has long been considered a potential future England manager. His time at Brighton remains the pinnacle of his career so far, and only the harshest critics would blame him for not succeeding at Chelsea, given the behind-the-scenes turmoil he faced.
Will Still, Mark Robins, Michael Carrick, and Paul Heckingbottom are also in contention for the top job and almost neck and neck with the names mentioned on this list!