Mauricio Pochettino has a massive four-year contract offer from U.S. Soccer to take over the USMNT job. That's a big deal. But even with a deal on the table for Poch, ESPN is already digging into other potential candidates. The name they're throwing out? Gareth Southgate, the former England manager! This could actually happen, and it's a wild twist nobody saw coming.
Southgate's Stacked Resume and What He's Doing Now
This isn't some wild rumor, Southgate's international resume is elite. He just resigned as England manager after Euro 2024, but his eight-year run was something else. He brought back a consistency England hadn't seen in ages. We're talking leading the Three Lions to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, then to back-to-back European Championship finals in 2020 and 2024. Think about it: he won nine major knockout matches, the same combined total as *all* previous England managers since 1966. He's not exactly sitting around now, either. He's currently a UEFA technical observer, lecturing at Harvard Business School, and even hosted a June 2026 BBC documentary about challenges young men face. He's said he's not actively looking for a return to the dugout, but he's totally open to future opportunities. That "open to opportunities" part is huge.Why the USMNT is a Crazy Good Fit, But Don't Forget the Drama
So, why are US Soccer's eyes even turning his way? His proven international record, his ability to navigate deep tournament runs with England is incredibly attractive. ESPN reporter Caitlin Murray nailed it: Southgate's critics complained about his squad selections with England. But the USMNT doesn't have that "embarrassment of riches" or those "difficult roster decisions" England does. Murray thinks his leadership and culture-building skills are the most realistic areas where the USMNT can truly gain an edge, more than just getting better players. But let's be real, the likelihood of Southgate actually taking over is "highly complicated." He *definitely* saw the "toxicity and criticism" Pochettino dealt with when the USMNT crashed out of the World Cup, and that's a huge red flag. Still, there's a significant advantage: Southgate already has a strong, professional relationship with Matt Crocker, U.S. Soccer's Sporting Director. Crocker previously worked super closely with Southgate at the English FA as the Head of Development, so there's a foundation you can't ignore. This situation is something else. You've got Pochettino with a contract on the table, but then this international heavyweight like Southgate is seriously being considered for the USMNT. Will Southgate actually jump back into that intense spotlight after seeing all the heat Pochettino took? We're waiting to see what Pochettino decides. If the cards fall right, could Southgate be the guy to build something special with the USMNT? Get ready, because this is far from over!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.