A surprise new contender has emerged for the England job as the FA continues its search for Gareth Southgate’s permanent replacement.
Southgate stepped down from his role as England manager following the heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
It was the second consecutive European Championship that England finished as runners-up, following their defeat to Italy on penalties in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley.
While Southgate oversaw a period of relative success for the national side, he was unable to end the nation’s long wait for silverware – with their only major trophy still the 1966 World Cup.
Announcing his decision to step down as manager, Southgate said it was “time for a change” after nearly eight years in charge.
“As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all,” Southgate said in an official statement released by the FA.
“But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, former Chelsea boss Graham Potter and England U21 head coach Lee Carsley emerged as early favourites to replace Southgate.
But another name has now entered the mix; Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna.
The Sun report that the Northern Irishman, 38, has emerged as a candidate after achieving back-to-back promotions at Portman Road.
FA technical director John McDermott has been tasked with drawing up a shortlist of potential replacements for Southgate, and worked with McKenna when he was a youth coach at Tottenham.
McDermott was Spurs’ head of coaching and development and is said to be a ‘huge fan’ of what McKenna has achieved during his time in north London.
McKenna left Spurs in 2016 to join Manchester United as head coach of the U18s and eventually became first-team assistant at Old Trafford.
He departed to take charge of Ipswich in 2021, his first senior managerial role, and successfully guided the club from League One to the Premier League with back-to-back promotions.
He was linked with United, Chelsea and Brighton earlier this summer before signing a new £5m-a-year contract with Ipswich.
The Sun report that McKenna is ‘happy’ in his current role and claim Ipswich would fight hard to keep him if the FA made an approach for their manager.
England’s next match is a Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland on September 7.
If a permanent manager is not in place by that time, England U21 boss Carsley is expected to take charge of the national side – providing him the opportunity to impress in the top job.
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Topics: England, Gareth Southgate, FA, Manchester United, Ipswich Town