The pressure is on Thomas Tuchel following England's World Cup elimination by Argentina. Are the bookies backing him to stay on?
Pep Guardiola is the 11/4 favourite in the next England manager odds following the Three Lions’ dramatic World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.
Thomas Tuchel has faced criticism after England surrendered a one-goal lead, with Enzo Fernandez equalising late before Lautaro Martinez completed Argentina’s 2-1 comeback in stoppage time. Tuchel has insisted he plans to remain in charge until Euro 2028, but Wednesday night’s result has inevitably brought the succession market back into focus.
Guardiola heads the betting at 11/4, ahead of Eddie Howe at 7/2 and former England interim manager Lee Carsley at 6/1. Howe has attracted the strongest support from Oddschecker users, accounting for 70% of bets placed on the market since the defeat to Argentina.
Who is the favourite to be the next England manager?
Pep Guardiola is the 11/4 favourite to become the next permanent England manager. The former Manchester City boss sits ahead of Eddie Howe at 7/2, although Howe has been the clear choice among Oddschecker bettors since England’s World Cup exit.
Will Thomas Tuchel still be England manager for the Nations League?
Thomas Tuchel is 1/3 to remain England manager for the Nations League match against Spain on Saturday 26 September 2026. The 2/1 available on Tuchel no longer being in charge suggests bookmakers view an immediate departure as unlikely.
Tuchel only signed a two-year contract extension in February, committing himself to England through to the conclusion of Euro 2028. After the Argentina defeat, he reiterated that he intends to honour that agreement rather than resigning from the position.
England’s first Nations League fixture will be against Spain at 7.45pm on 26 September, before trips to Czechia and Croatia during the following international window.
The prices therefore point towards stability rather than an imminent FA decision. Tuchel is expected to lead England into the next cycle, barring a dramatic change of position after the World Cup third-place play-off against France.
Why is Thomas Tuchel under pressure after the Argentina defeat?
England appeared to be heading towards their first World Cup final since 1966 when Anthony Gordon gave them the lead in the 55th minute. However, Tuchel’s side became increasingly passive as Argentina pushed forward, with Fernandez equalising in the 85th minute and Martinez scoring the winner in added time.
Tuchel has been criticised for introducing defensive players and changing England’s shape while attempting to protect the lead. Captain Harry Kane admitted that the team concentrated too heavily on holding their advantage rather than continuing to attack Argentina.
The England boss accepted responsibility for his decisions but said the players had produced one of their best performances of the tournament and had given everything.
Reaching the semi-finals represents another deep tournament run, but the manner of the collapse has reopened the debate over whether Tuchel is the right manager to lead England at a home European Championship in 2028.
Pep Guardiola next England manager odds
Pep Guardiola is the 11/4 favourite after ending his decade-long spell as Manchester City manager at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
Guardiola left City having won 20 major trophies and has moved into a global ambassadorial position with the City Football Group. That arrangement means the Spaniard is not currently tied to another club-management job, which helps explain his position at the top of the market.
He has also previously spoken about his ambition to manage at a major international tournament, saying he would like to experience a World Cup, European Championship or Copa America from the dugout.
Guardiola knows English football, has worked with several members of the England squad and would represent the most decorated appointment available to the FA. The main question is whether he would be prepared to return to coaching so soon after leaving City, particularly when Tuchel remains under contract for another two years.
Eddie Howe backed to become next England manager
Eddie Howe is the biggest mover with Oddschecker bettors, taking 70% of all bets on the market since England were knocked out by Argentina.
The Newcastle manager is 7/2, placing him narrowly behind Guardiola in the latest prices. Howe enhanced his reputation by leading Newcastle to the 2025 Carabao Cup, ending the club’s 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.
Howe offers a more conventional FA appointment than Guardiola. He is English, understands the Premier League and has shown he can build a competitive side while managing significant expectations.
| Next England manager | Latest odds |
|---|---|
| Pep Guardiola | 11/4 |
| Eddie Howe | 7/2 |
| Lee Carsley | 6/1 |
| Mauricio Pochettino | 8/1 |
| Graham Potter | 12/1 |
| Frank Lampard | 14/1 |
| Carlo Ancelotti | 16/1 |
| Kieran McKenna | 20/1 |
| Steven Gerrard | 20/1 |
| Gareth Southgate | 25/1 |
| Unai Emery | 25/1 |
| Diego Simeone | 33/1 |
| Liam Rosenior | 33/1 |
