News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/17th July 2024
Following his resignation as England manager shortly after their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, Gareth Southgate finds himself contemplating his next career move. With discussions already buzzing about potential successors for both the England and US national teams, former United States international Alexi Lalas has injected humor into the conversation, suggesting that Southgate should consider leading the USMNT.
Lalas, known for his outspoken nature, took to social media to jest about Southgate’s prospects with the Stars and Stripes. On X, Lalas quipped, “No problem with Southgate for #USMNT. It would finally give him an opportunity to win something.” This playful comment highlights the contrasting fortunes of England and the US, where the latter has recently tasted success in the CONCACAF Nations League and the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
England’s quest for a new manager comes on the heels of Southgate’s departure, marking the end of his nearly eight-year tenure. Despite leading England to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final, Southgate fell short of securing an international trophy, a goal that has eluded the nation since 1966 under Sir Alf Ramsey’s leadership.
Meanwhile, the USMNT is also in transition following the dismissal of Gregg Berhalter earlier this month. The search for Berhalter’s successor has been ongoing, with recent reports indicating that former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp declined the opportunity to take the helm.
Looking ahead, both England and the US face critical decisions in selecting their new leaders ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Southgate’s experience and track record with England make him a notable candidate for the USMNT role, although no formal discussions have been reported.
As discussions unfold, speculation swirls around the qualities needed in the next England manager to build on Southgate’s legacy and lead the team to international success. For the USMNT, finding a leader who can build on recent achievements and navigate the competitive landscape of North American football will be equally crucial.
While Lalas’ suggestion adds a lighthearted twist to the managerial carousel, the decisions made by both football associations will shape the trajectory of their respective national teams in the coming years. Whether Southgate will entertain the idea of crossing the Atlantic to guide the USMNT remains uncertain, but his name adds intrigue to an already dynamic managerial search in international football.
