Football

World Cup 2022: Ex-Germany international says it’s ‘time for a change’ in England dugout

World Cup 2022: Ex-Germany international says it’s ‘time for a change’ in England dugout

Former Germany defender Holger Badstuber says it is ‘time for a change’ of England manager, believing that a ‘top international coach’ could come in to replace Gareth Southgate.

As reported by Eurosport, Badstuber is expecting a change in the England dugout in the near future. There has been plenty of talk regarding the future of Southgate, who remains undecided about what to do next.

‘Time for a change’ of England manager

Southgate’s dilemma comes amid a mixed period in charge of the England national team. He took the side to the final of Euro 2020 and the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup. But this was followed by a disappointing exit at the quarter-final stage in Qatar. 

The Three Lions did bow out to defending champions France, but many supporters and indeed players were expecting a longer run in the competition given recent runs at major tournaments.

Southgate was also the man in charge when England were relegated from their Nations League group earlier this year. They finished bottom of the standings behind Italy, Hungary and Germany, drawing three and losing three of their six matches.

And Badstuber, who made 31 appearances for Germany between 2010 and 2015, believes it is time for Southgate to step aside.

“I think the pressure is getting too high,” said Badstuber. “The team is very good, but it doesn’t manage to win a title at major tournaments.

“But this generation has a bright future ahead of it. I think a top international coach will come. There are several great coaches being talked about, it’s time for a change from my point of view.”

England

Who will be the next England manager?

There have been many names linked with the England job should Southgate decide that a change is indeed needed.

The current boss has a contract until December 2024, which if he honours will see him in the dugout for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualification schedule early next year. England have been drawn to take on Italy, Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta in their group.

The first match is a trip to Italy in March, followed by a home meeting with Ukraine later that month. Matches against Malta and North Macedonia then arrive in June.

It remains uncertain who will be in the dugout by then, with the likes of ex-Premier League bosses Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel both linked with the job.

The former spent time in the dugout at Tottenham Hotspur, with the latter most recently in charge of Chelsea. Both have previously managed French giants PSG, and have shown excellent examples of helping progress young talent.

The youthful England squad have shown plenty of potential, but perhaps a manager with experience in guiding such potential could take them to the next level.

The young squad includes the likes of 19-year-old Jude Bellingham, 21-year-old Bukayo Saka and 22-year-old Phil Foden.

There are, however, also a handful of current Premier League bosses who have been rumoured with the England job. That includes Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, Newcastle’s Eddie Howe and Chelsea’s Graham Potter.


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