Gary Lineker reveals who England should go ‘all out for’ as Gareth Southgate steps down as manager

'Wouldn't you go all out for...'

England's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday night marked the end of Southgate's eight-year reign as England manager after 102 games in charge.

In an emotional statement to the fans, Southgate said "it’s time for change, and for a new chapter" before hailing supporters as " the best fans in the world".

During his spell as Three Lions boss he has guided his side to back-to-back European Championships finals and a World Cup semi-final across four tournaments but it now feels like a new manager may take over.

Lineker names preferred candidate

Dissecting the fallout of the game on his Rest is Football podcast, Lineker discussed with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards the topic of potential replacements for the 53-year-old

Names such as Eddie Howe were thrown about however the Match of the Day host touted Jurgen Klopp as the ideal candidate.

He said: "Maybe it's time for somebody else with a more modern, attacking style of football. I think the game has gone away from being successful if you're defensive.

"Do you go English? There's only really Eddie Howe. Say Gareth does call it a day? I suspect he will, it must be so tough, demanding, so hard.

"If you English, we mentioned, somebody maybe like Lampard, who would get respect. But wouldn't you go all out for Jurgen Klopp?"

Richards then responded with the idea of appointing Pep Guardiola, to which Lineker responded: "We'd all love Pep, but Klopp is out of a job and would have had a bit of a rest.

"Club managers are paid an awful lot of money, I can't see the FA stumping up that sort of cash."

Who else is in contention?

A variety of names have been thrown into the ring early doors following news of his departure.

There is a chance they could follow a similar path to what they did with Southgate by appointing Lee Carsley - who has enjoyed a successful period in charge of the Under-21s and has even reportedly turned down the Republic of Ireland job in the past.

Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino have also been considered as possible options due to their affiliation with many of the players in the squad however it remains to be seen if England would go back to appointing a non-English coach, especially after the disappointment under Capello.