Ex-Man Utd man emerges as shock contender for England manager job with key FA figure a ‘huge fan’

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A Surprise New Contender Emerges for the England Job

After the disappointing end to Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate stepped down as manager of the England national team. Now, a new contender has entered the race to replace him: Kieran McKenna.

McKenna, 38, is the current manager of Ipswich Town. He has guided the club to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.

McKenna’s success at Portman Road has caught the attention of the FA. Technical director John McDermott, who previously worked with McKenna at Tottenham Hotspur, is said to be a “huge fan” of his work.

McKenna’s managerial career began at Tottenham, where he worked as a youth coach and later became first-team assistant. He left Spurs in 2016 to join Manchester United as head coach of the U18s. He was promoted to first-team assistant in 2018.

McKenna left United in 2021 to take over at Ipswich. In his first season, he guided the club to promotion from League One. The following season, he led Ipswich to the Championship title, securing promotion to the Premier League.

McKenna has been linked with a number of top jobs in recent months, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Brighton. However, he recently signed a new £5m-a-year contract with Ipswich.

Despite his new contract, McKenna is said to be “open” to the possibility of managing England. However, Ipswich would likely fight hard to keep him if the FA made an approach.

England’s next match is a Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland on September 7. If a permanent manager is not in place by that time, England U21 boss Lee Carsley is expected to take charge of the national side.

Other Contenders for the England Job

In addition to McKenna, a number of other managers have been linked with the England job. These include:

  • Eddie Howe (Newcastle United)
  • Graham Potter (Brighton & Hove Albion)
  • Lee Carsley (England U21)
  • Steven Gerrard (Rangers)
  • Roberto Mancini (Italy)

The FA is expected to draw up a shortlist of candidates in the coming weeks. The successful candidate will be tasked with leading England to success at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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