Odds Slashed for Gareth Southgate to Leave England Before the World Cup

Many of the top soccer betting sites have slashed their odds for Gareth Southgate to leave his role as England manager following a four-game winless run in the UEFA Nations League.

Earlier this month, the Three Lions drew with Germany and Italy before suffering back-to-back defeats against Hungary. After the recent 4-0 thrashing, many believe that Southgate’s job is in danger.

Will Southgate leave his role before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in November? Who could be his successor? Is he the right man to take England forward? Let’s see what the bookies think.

Believe it or not, Southgate is priced at just 3.50 to leave his post as England manager before the first game of the 2022 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to kick off on November 21.

The bookmakers believe that Graham Potter is in pole position to become Southgate’s successor. The Brighton & Hove Albion boss is now viewed among the country’s top coaches, having made a name for himself in the Premier League.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is also in the mix for the England job. Although the 44-year-old only took over at St. James’ Park in November, he could be lured to the national team.

Frank Lampard, Mauricio Pochettino, and Steven Gerrard are also in the bookies’ thoughts. However, Lampard and Gerrard are both relatively inexperienced, while Pochettino is seen as a left-field option.

12 months is a long time in soccer. This time last year, the Three Lions were in the midst of a run to the European Championship final. Fast-forward to today – many England fans are calling for Southgate to either resign or be sacked.

There is no denying that Southgate has transformed the national team. In addition to guiding England to the Euro 2020 final, he led his side to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. However, recent results have not been good enough.

As a result, the Three Lions find themselves rock bottom of Group A3 – three points behind Italy, four points behind Germany, and five points behind Hungary. To make matters worse, they have a goal difference of –5.

Granted, the players looked tired after a long and arduous domestic season. But there is no hiding the fact that England sits on two points after four Nations League games.

Given what Southgate has done for English soccer over the past few years, the chances of him getting fired are very slim. The English FA has continuously backed the manager, so it would be a big shock if he was dismissed before the World Cup.

It would also be a surprise if he resigned from his role. Having taken England to the last four of the previous two major tournaments, the 51-year-old will feel that he has unfinished business to deal with.

Of course, a failed World Cup campaign would pile even more pressure on the manager and the team. But as England prepares for a crucial tournament, few would argue that Southgate is not the right man for the job.

England is among the bookies’ favorites to lift the trophy in Qatar. Follow the link below to check out the Three Lions’ odds and group analysis.