Mauricio Pochettino ‘OPEN’ to succeeding Gareth Southgate as England manager

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed he is open to becoming England manager as Gareth Southgate’s team prepare to begin their World Cup campaign.

Former Tottenham boss Pochettino was at Wembley, together with his trusted aide Jesus Perez, for England’s previous game against Germany.

Southgate’s contract expires at the end of the Euro 2026 campaign – but there is some speculation that the 52-year-old could leave at the end of the World Cup, although the FA want him to see out his deal.

Gareth Southgate’s contract expires at the end of the Euro 2026 campaign but there is speculation he could leave after the World Cup

And Pochettino has opened the door to succeeding Southgate, just four days before England’s opener versus Iran.

‘Of course, my relationship with England has always been very good,’ he told the Athletic.

‘We have a very good relationship with the academies, trying to develop young players for the national team. I feel so comfortable here. You never know what happens. I am open to everything.’ 

Pochettino already has a relationship with the FA’s technical director John McDermott, who he worked with at Spurs.

Pochettino’s revelation comes just four days before England’s opening game at the World Cup

The Argentine is looking for a route back into management after leaving PSG earlier this year.

He was wanted by Aston Villa, but Pochettino wants a job where he can compete for trophies.

Working with England would give him the opportunity of working with Harry Kane and Eric Dier again, two players he worked with at Tottenham.