Gareth Southgate among favourites for huge managerial role as odds slashed on ex-England boss taking shock job

Gareth Southgate has been out of work since leaving his role with England but odds have been slashed on him taking a shock new job.

Southgate resigned as England manager in the wake of their Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain after eight years in the position.

The former Middlesbrough defender led the Three Lions to consecutive European Championship finals but decided it was time for a new chapter with the Football Association eventually appointing Thomas Tuchel as his permanent replacement.

Southgate is yet to take up a new position and revealed via a LinkedIn post that he is considering roles outside of football during a ‘period of exploration’.

The 53-year-old was heavily linked with a return to club management with Manchester United, owing to his close relationship with the club’s owners INEOS but Ruben Amorim was eventually chosen to replace Erik ten Hag.

Now, the odds have been slashed on Southgate returning to international management with a country no-one expected.

Southgate is among the favourites for the soon to be vacant France job after Didier Deschamps announced his decision to step down following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup according to BetVictor.

Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is the overwhelming favourite to take charge but the iconic midfielder is yet to be tempted back into management after leaving Madrid back in 2021.

Current Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho is also in contention as well as ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp who recently started his new role working with Red Bull.

Zinedine Zidane is the favourite to replace Didier Deschamps (Getty)

The French Football Association have plenty of time to figure out Deschamp’s successor and Zidane has already commented on the prospect of managing his country.

Speaking to GQ in 2023, Zidane said: "I've often said that when you know the France team as a player and you become a coach, it's just logical to think about it. But now is not the time. When I was in Cannes, I wanted to go to Bordeaux.

"Then I wanted to play at Juve and then Madrid because it was a different and stronger experience each time. We just call it ambition. I have always been ambitious and I have always believed in myself. I rush."

Next France manager odds (via BetVictor):

Zinedine Zidane - 2/1

Gareth Southgate - 8/1

Jose Mourinho - 10/1

Pep Guardiola - 12/1

Jurgen Klopp - 14/1

Herve Renard - 14/1

Enzo Maresca - 20/1