Michael Owen names his next England manager to succeed Gareth Southgate

Former Liverpool forward Michael Owen has backed ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter to potentially succeed Gareth Southgate as England head coach at the end of Euro 2024.

The current Three Lions boss has been in his post since 2016, with the ongoing championships in Germany representing his fourth major tournament in charge. However, his contract with the Football Association will expire in December of this year - with talks of an extension having taken a backseat as the manager looks to mastermind a first tournament win for his country's men's team since 1966.

Having taken England to the World Cup semi-final in 2018 and the Euros final in 2021, Southgate has led the nation to another last four finish this in this summer's competition. Still, it is widely expected that the coach's future will come under the microscope at the end of Euro 2024 - irrespective of the fate of his team.

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Now, ex-Anfield great Owen has waded into the debate over who could potentially have the credentials to succeed the current Three Lions boss if he is to depart his role. Speaking to CSGOLuck, the retired striker said: "There is not an outstanding candidate to take over if Southgate goes.

"I personally am of the opinion that we should stick to an English manager, that's what international football is about. In fact I would almost go as far as to say there should be a rule change. You are playing for your country, the players are going to be from that country.

"In club football you can have any player or coach from any country but I think when you're playing for your country it should be Scottish managers, Scottish players and Scottish physios. That's the point. Same with France. That's the point of international football."

Ultimately, the 89-time international is of the belief that ex-Brighton and Chelsea boss Potter could be the standout candidate for the post. Ruling out two ex-teammates, he said: "It's not a rule but I would have that principle and would like England to have an English manager.

"I think possibly the one manager free and available is Graham Potter, who may take it. Apart from him, I think Steve Cooper is a good manager, Frank Lampard and [Steven] Gerrard would have been tipped in the past but they probably need to do well in their current jobs to be back in the fold maybe.

Throwing another name into the equation, Owen also posited that Newcastle United's current manager may have caught the eye of chiefs at the FA. He continued: "Eddie Howe I really see as a top manager but he's employed at the moment. As things stand, if Southgate were to leave tomorrow I'd probably say Potter."

Ultimately, the one-time Liverpool hero was convinced that the incumbent Three Lions boss is currently overseeing his final tournament in charge of the national team. He added: "I could imagine with Southgate that there will be a natural parting no matter what the result

"If we win it, Southgate's had a fair crack at it, he's enjoyed it but he might even be ready for a change himself. The general feeling among fans in England has been that this is his last tournament. A lot of people are frustrated with the cautious approach. I just think it may be an occasion whereby it's best for everyone, he might want a break or have a crack at club management."