Joachim Low is the latest name to be thrown into the mix as a potential Gareth Southgate successor, with the German reportedly open to taking over as England boss.
England are on the lookout for a new manager after the much-loved Southgate stepped down following Sunday’s disappointing defeat against Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Several names have already been mooted as possible options, but few are likely to raise eyebrows as much as former Germany chief Low.
As per The Sun, the 2014 World Cup victor is keen to speak to the FA about the vacancy.
Low has been out of work since the summer of 2021, when Southgate’s England dumped Germany out of Euro 2020 via a 2-0 win at Wembley.
But the 64-year-old boasts a wealth of experience at international level – something that could persuade the FA to change their hardline stance on hiring an English boss.
It’s reported the FA will prioritise hiring an English coach as Southgate’s successor, in an attempt to maintain the harmonic culture he built during his eight-year stint as manager.
As such, ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter and current under-21 man Lee Carsley have both emerged as early front-runners.
That doesn’t mean Low – or any foreign candidate for that matter – is completely ruled out of the running yet though.
In fact, it’s claimed by The Independent the FA would consider hiring an interim manager, if it allowed them more time to hire their first-choice targets – namely Pep Guardiola.
The Manchester City mastermind is out of contract at the end of next season and while rumours about an extension have been circulating, the FA could launch an audacious bid to bring him to St. George’s Park.
However, with Guardiola committed to City for the upcoming campaign at least, it could be until the new year before the FA find out his decision.
That wouldn’t pose a problem as far as World Cup qualification is concerned, given it kicks off in earnest next March.
But, as England are set to return to action in early September, the Three Lions would need somebody to come in and take charge of England’s Nations League matches instead.
England’s first game after their Euro 2024 heartbreak is against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, before the tournament runners-up head back to Wembley to face Finland.
Returning England to the top table of the Nations League following relegation to League B will be the top priority for whoever is in charge, interim or permanent, with Greece the other team in their group.
