Former England manager tipped for surprise role with the USMNT

Follow us on Google Discover

Gareth Southgate’s time on the international stage may not be over just yet, with the former England manager now being talked about in the same sentence as the USMNT.

Since resigning as England manager after Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate has kept a low profile and focused on new ventures. He currently serves as a UEFA technical observer, lectures at Harvard Business School, and recently hosted a June 2026 BBC documentary on challenges facing young men.

While not actively searching for a return to the dugout, he remains open to future opportunities.

During his eight-year tenure, Southgate brought back the consistency that had been missing with England. He led the Three Lions to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and back-to-back European Championship finals in 2020 and 2024, winning nine major knockout matches, which matched the combined total of all previous England managers since 1966.

But will he make a return to football?

Gareth Southgate is a potential candidate for the USMNT job

Of course, Mauricio Pochettino could end up taking the USMNT forward with a four-year contract on the table from U.S. Soccer.

However, that hasn’t stopped ESPN from taking a look at potential candidates to succeed Pochettino, should he decide to walk away from the United States.

They list Gareth Southgate as one option, with ESPN reporter Caitlin Murray giving her take.

“Southgate’s critics complained about his squad selection, but the USMNT doesn’t have the same embarrassment of riches or difficult roster decisions that England does. He was praised for his leadership and culture-building, which seem like the most realistic areas where the USMNT can try to gain an edge other than getting better players.”

The chances of Gareth Southgate taking the USMNT job

The likelihood of Gareth Southgate taking over the USMNT remains highly complicated.

His proven international record of navigating deep tournament runs with England makes him an attractive candidate for US Soccer, but major hurdles stand in the way.

Southgate will have seen the toxicity and the criticism that Pochettino received when the USMNT exited the World Cup, which certainly won’t attract him.

But, Southgate already has a strong, professional relationship with Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer’s Sporting Director. Crocker previously worked closely with Southgate at the English FA as the Head of Development.