Southgate tipped for US job hours after England's meek World Cup exit

Gareth Southgate has been tipped to become the next United States head coach, just hours after England’s meek World Cup exit exposed the scale of Thomas Tuchel’s task. The Three Lions snatched a 2-1 defeat from the jaws of victory against Argentina in the semi-final, a tactical misstep that saw them take the lead then invite on a hungry side who scored in the final minutes. The former England manager, 55, has been out of management since leaving his role after the Euro 2024 final. He guided England to a semi-final and quarter-final at the World Cup as well as back-to-back European Championship finals, but was unable to deliver a first major trophy in more than five decades. Now, ESPN's senior editor Caitlin Murray has argued Southgate warrants a look to replace Mauricio Pochettino, whose contract expires this summer after the USMNT's thumping 4-1 Round of 16 defeat to Belgium. “We’ve seen a lot of successful club coaches make the jump to the international game ahead of this World Cup without a ton to show for it,” Murray said. “The international game – especially an eight-game tournament – just doesn’t work the same way as the 30-plus-game season of a club game. … the USMNT needs a manager with a proven track record on the international level and in tournament soccer. On that basis, Southgate warrants a look.” Pochettino refused to be drawn on his future after the Belgium loss, saying: “Now is not a moment to talk about that. I think now is a moment to see, to assess the tournament. I’m sure in the next weeks we can start to talk if [U.S. Soccer] wants to talk.” For Tuchel, whose England contract has already been extended, the immediate focus is a Nations League meeting with Spain at Wembley on 26 September, followed by fixtures against Czechia and Croatia. Then comes the qualifying programme for Euro 2028, which England will take part in despite being co-hosts. The 52-year-old must address an over-reliance on Harry Kane. The Bayern Munich striker, who turns 33 on 28 July, played every minute of the World Cup except stoppage time against Mexico, when Morgan Rogers replaced him. Ollie Watkins, the top-scoring English striker in the Premier League last season with 16 goals, played just six minutes against Panama. Ivan Toney was granted only the final throes of stoppage time against Argentina. Finding a Plan B, or an able understudy, is Tuchel’s key task as Kane approaches 35.