Mauricio Pochettino, the renowned Argentine manager, is open to taking over the England national team if Gareth Southgate steps down after the European Championships. Following his unexpected departure from Chelsea after less than a year in charge, Pochettino is currently without a job but remains one of the most sought-after managers in football.

Potential Suitors and Pochettino's Next Move

Since leaving Chelsea, Pochettino has attracted interest from several top clubs. Manchester United and Bayern Munich are both considering him for their managerial positions. Bayern Munich, in particular, offers an intriguing opportunity, as Pochettino could reunite with former Tottenham players Harry Kane and Eric Dier, both of whom he managed during his successful tenure at Spurs.

Despite the interest from these prestigious clubs, Pochettino is carefully considering his next move. He is determined to prove that his problems at Chelsea were not his fault and is again looking for the opportunity to showcase his managerial skills. Amidst these considerations, he has yet to dismiss the possibility of managing the England national team, should the position become available.

Gareth Southgate, the current England manager, has clarified that he will not discuss his future until after the Euros in Germany this summer. Southgate's contract with the Football Association (FA) runs until the end of the year, and FA officials are keen for him to remain in charge until the 2026 World Cup. However, Southgate’s decision will likely depend on the team's performance at the Euros and whether he feels he has the nation's and his players' support.

Pochettino's Connections with England Players

Pochettino's strong connections with many current and former England players make him an appealing candidate for the national team role. At Tottenham, he worked closely with key England figures such as Harry Kane and Eric Dier, who remain integral parts of the national squad. Additionally, he played a significant role in developing young talents like Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill during his brief stint at Chelsea.

While Pochettino's relationships with Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier, who left Tottenham under less favorable circumstances, might be a concern, it is worth noting that both players are nearing the end of their international careers. This reduces the potential impact of lingering issues from their time together at Spurs, making a Pochettino appointment less problematic if the FA decides to go in that direction.

Pochettino’s extensive experience in the Premier League is another strong point in his favor. He has managed Southampton and Tottenham, developing several players into England internationals. At Southampton, he nurtured talents like Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, and Jay Rodriguez, who earned caps for the national team. He transformed players such as Walker, Trippier, Dier, Dele Alli, and Kane into regular England fixtures at Tottenham. Under his guidance, these players thrived and became key members of the national team setup. He also gave opportunities to Harry Winks, Ryan Mason, and Andros Townsend, further demonstrating his ability to develop young English talent.

Pochettino has overseen Cole Palmer's remarkable progress at Chelsea this season, adding another success story to his impressive track record of player development. Given his history, it is no surprise that he remains a highly desirable candidate for top clubs and potentially for the England national team.

Pochettino is keeping his options open as he considers his next managerial role. If Gareth Southgate decides to step down after the Euros, Pochettino could be a strong contender to lead the England national team. With his wealth of experience and proven ability to develop young players, he would bring a fresh perspective and valuable expertise to the Three Lions.