Howe and Guardiola lead England manager odds as Tuchel faces semi-final fallout

Thomas Tuchel looks set to stay on as England manager after a painful World Cup semi-final exit to Argentina, yet bookmakers have already installed Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe and former Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola as the leading candidates to succeed him if the FA decides otherwise.

England appeared on course for a first World Cup final since 1966 when Anthony Gordon’s goal early in the second half gave them the lead. However, a series of defensive substitutions and a low block allowed Argentina to grow into the game, with Enzo Fernandez equalising before Lautaro Martinez headed home a Lionel Messi cross in added time to complete the comeback.

Tuchel has publicly stated his intention to remain in charge through to Euro 2028, when England are among the host nations, though calls for his dismissal have grown in some quarters following the defeat.

Should the FA choose to part ways with the German, Betfair currently price Howe at 5/2 to take the role, with Guardiola — now a free agent after ending his decade-long spell at Manchester City last season — close behind at 10/3.

Mauricio Pochettino, whose United States side were eliminated in the last 16 by Belgium, is available at 7/1, while former England interim manager Lee Carsley is 15/2 after continuing to impress with the Under-21s. Gareth Southgate, who previously held the role, is a 10/1 shot for a second stint.

Sweden head coach Graham Potter is priced at 11/1, Frank Lampard at 12/1 following a strong period with Coventry City, and Kieran McKenna at 16/1 after guiding Ipswich Town to a second Championship promotion in three years. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is 20/1, with Steven Gerrard at 22/1.

For now, the market suggests continuity is the most likely outcome, with Tuchel odds-on at 1/5 to be in charge for England’s Nations League opener against Spain in September.