Iconic Liverpool manager puts name in hat to replace Gareth Southgate at England

A surprise name could be a contender to one day take over from Gareth Southgate as England manager after hinting at his interest in the job - and with friends on the current staff already

Posted Monday, February 19, 2024 by Dailystar.co.uk

The line of managers interested in becoming the next England manager is likely to be a long one.

But fans are just discovering one familiar Premier League face may be in contention to take over from Gareth Southgate when he steps down later this year. Southgate, 53, took over as England chief in 2016 and has a contract to remain Three Lions boss until after Euro 2024.

And with that date fast approaching, talk is turning to whom will step in to coach one of Europe's major powers when the spot becomes vacant. And former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez has suggested he'd be more than open to the role after being asked whether he'd rather coach England or his native Spain.

"That is always a dangerous question as there is a manager who is doing the job well," the 2005 Champions League-winner told The Athletic. "I even have friends on Southgate's staff - we have a very good relationship.

"But, thinking about the future, I’d like to have a national team capable of competing for trophies. I suffer a lot with defeats. When you are in a team which does not lose so often, you get used to competing to win things. So I would like to have a national team capable of achieving things — but again, [that is] all in the future."

It's only natural a two-time UEFA Manager of the Year and title-winner in three of Europe's major leagues should have high expectations. However, the jury's out as to whether the majority of England fans would be in favour of Benitez, 63, taking charge of the national team.

Perhaps chief among the factors against Benitez is the fact his Celta Vigo side are currently 17th in La Liga and struggling for results. Los Celestes have lost five of their last six games and hovering three points above the relegation zone, with a drop down in the divisions likely to count as a major negative on his CV this summer.