Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards all have different views on who should replace Gareth Southgate if the England boss leaves following his side's 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024 on Sunday night.
The Three Lions were unable to win a first major trophy since 1966, with La Roja securing victory courtesy of goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal in either half.
Southgate refused to disclose his thoughts on his future in the aftermath of the result, with the 53-year-old keeping his cards close to his chest.
There is a widespread belief he will depart to pursue a new challenge, however, after a positive eight-year stint in the dugout.
Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards have reacted after England lost to Spain in the final of Euro 2024 on Sunday
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Lineker, Shearer and Richards have now opened up on who should replace Southgate if he opts to pack his bags and depart on their Rest is Football podcast.
Shearer started by saying: “I think he’s been the right person to bring the nation together in terms of the football team.
"And, now, maybe it’s time for someone else with a more modern, attacking style of football.
"Because I think the game’s gone away from being successful if you’re really defensive.”
Lineker then asked the pair who should replace Southgate and put forward the name of Jurgen Klopp.
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Klopp recently left Liverpool and is currently on the market.
“Wouldn’t you go all out for Jürgen Klopp?” said Lineker.
But Micah Richards then suggested England should attempt to lure Pep Guardiola away from Manchester City, with the 36-year-old saying: "I'd go one bigger - Pep." When told that appointment was probably unrealistic, he stuck to his guns and said: "Why not?"
Lineker continued to endorse Klopp. He added: “Klopp’s kind of been out of a job. He’ll have had a bit of a rest.”
Shearer doubts whether England would go for a German manager, however.
And the Newcastle icon believes current Toon boss Eddie Howe would be perfect in the role.
“I’m for England and English managers. Howe would be the outstanding candidate," he said.
"There’s a lot going on at Newcastle. The guys who appointed Eddie have now left.”
Lineker seemed on board with that idea.
But the BBC presenter also bemoaned a lack of top English managers who would be in contention to be appointed.
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Gary Lineker wants Jurgen Klopp to become England manager whereas Micah Richards suggested Pep Guardiola after Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain
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“He’s a front-foot manager. He’s young. He’s got a real energy to his football," said Lineker.
He added: “Why aren’t we producing English coaches? It’s nuts, isn’t it? It’s weird?”
Southgate, meanwhile, has expressed a belief England's lack of quality on the ball against Spain was a big factor in their defeat.
"I think Spain were the best team in the tournament. We didn’t keep the ball well enough," said the England boss.
"We were in it until the last 10 minutes. I’m devastated for everyone. We have just fallen a little short.
England boss Gareth Southgate is expected to leave his post as manager following Spain's defeat in the Euro 2024 final
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"We had a little bit of momentum in the game at that point [when Cole Palmer equalised].
"There’s a big chance at the end to equalise too but across the 90 minutes, I’m not sure we did enough.
"Spain press well and you have to keep the ball when you win it back. In the end, that’s the bit that takes more out of your legs.
"I think the players will take enormous credit for getting us to where we did but when you’re as close as that, you have to take your chances.
"They have represented the shirt with pride and haven’t been beaten until the very end. I just think tonight Spain had more control of the game."
