Michael Owen chooses next England manager after Euro 2024 heartbreak

Michael Owen believes Gareth Southgate could quit as England manager following his side’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain – and has named who he wants to see take over .

The Three Lions failed to end their 58-year trophy drought after falling to a 2-1 defeat in Berlin. Goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal either side of Cole Palmer’s strike saw Spain claim their fourth European title, and third since 2008.

Sunday’s defeat has raised more questions about Southgate’s future as England manager . The 53-year-old has been in charge since 2016, with his contract set to expire in December this year.

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Southgate was asked about his future following the final, although he chose not to give any indication on his or The FA’s decision . "Now is not the time for me to discuss that,” he said. “I understand the question of course, but I need to speak to the right people - we will go from there."

Former Liverpool striker Owen though believes Southgate will call time on his stewardship of England, although he wouldn’t be surprised to see his former England teammate lead the Three Lions into the 2026 World Cup.

“We may well have made it to another final but once again, we couldn’t quite get the job done and so our wait for a major trophy goes on,” Owen told Prime Casino .

“I think there may well be a natural parting of the ways with Gareth Southgate given the length of time he has been manager and also given the amount of criticism he has had to endure in recent times.

“That said and on the back of how tantalizingly close they’ve come to winning a big one, he may just want to give it one last go at the 2026 World Cup.”

Asked who should take over from Southgate, Owen responded: “If the vacancy does become open, I'd say Graham Potter would be the outstanding candidate to replace him.”

Liverpool.com says: The time is right for England and Southgate to move on, for more reasons than one . The Euros exposed his weaknesses tactically, and the time is right for someone else to take the reins.

Quite who takes over is a tricky question though. Owen might well be right in tipping Potter for the job. At the very least, he is available.