According to the Telegraph, Tottenham icon Mauricio Pochettino watched England draw 3-3 with Germany at Wembley last night as speculation around Gareth Southgate continues.
Pochettino could return to England after 2019 Tottenham exit
The Argentine has been without a job since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in July, and he added fuel to the speculation surrounding Southgate’s future by making an appearance at Wembley.
The Telegraph believe Pochettino made the journey on his own accord, and was not invited by the English Football Association, nor did he attend with any intention of taking the 52-year-old’s job.
Interestingly, the report also states that there is a growing feeling Southgate will step down from his role after the World Cup – regardless of how the Three Lions perform.
The Telegraph believe Pochettino is not currently being considered to replace Southgate as the FA aim to hire another English coach.
However, due to a lack of options, the South American, as well as Brendan Rodgers, are potential candidates due to their managerial accomplishments in England.
The FA’s Technical Director – John McDermott – worked closely with Pochettino at Tottenham, and is actually the man responsible for finding a replacement if Southgate does step down.
Furthermore, the 50-year-old’s case for the job would be strengthened further due to his relationships with Harry Kane, Kyle Walker and Eric Dier, who thrived under his management at Spurs.
England must hire Pochettino
If Southgate does resign after the World Cup, McDermott needs to make a serious push for Pochettino.
The Argentine has proven himself in English football, dragging an unspectacular Tottenham side to the Champions League final in 2019, while also nearly guiding Spurs to the Premier League title in 2016.
When put up against the likes of Rodgers, as well as other candidates such as Eddie Howe and Graham Potter, Pochettino is by far the more superior coach.
Crucially – as aforesaid – he has also enjoyed previous success with some of England’s key players, so there shouldn’t be much of an acclimatisation period required.
Should Southgate step down after the upcoming tournament in Qatar, England must target Pochettino.
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