Southgate 'applies for shock new job' with England's potential World Cup rivals

  /  autty

Gareth Southgate has reportedly signalled his intention to return to management with the former England boss claimed to have applied for a national team role.

Southgate stepped down as England manager last June following their defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

His resignation had come after eight years in charge of the national team, where he was credited with turning around the Three Lions fortunes.

Despite ultimately failing to end England's wait to win a senior men's international tournament, Southgate led the national team to back-to-back European Championship finals.

Southgate also led England to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 - their best result since 1990 - before losing to France in the last eight in 2022.

After leaving the role last year, Southgate said he was 'open minded' about opportunities both in and outside of football.

He could now be set for a return to the game after reportedly applying to become manager of the Poland national team.

Polish outlet Przeglad Sportowy Onet reported that Southgate has submitted an application to the Polish Football Association and personally expressed a desire to take charge.

The report, however, claims Southgate would have to more than halve his £5million-a-year wages he received as England manager to take charge.

Polish Football Association president Cezary Kulesza has also reportedly spoke in favour of a appointing a Polish candidate, with Jan Urban, Jacek Magiera, Adam Nawałka and Jerzy Brzeczek listed as likely contenders.

Reports have claimed all-time World Cup top goalscorer Miroslav Klose, Nenad Bjelica, Carlos Queiroz and Winfried Schafer are other potential candidates.

Poland are looking for a manager following the resignation of Michal Probierz last week.

Probierz resigned amid a public feud with all-time leading goalscorer Robert Lewandowski, after he took the decision to strip the Barcelona forward of the captaincy.

Lewandowski announced his international retirement 39 minutes after the news went public and later accused Probierz of a betrayal.

Probierz confirmed his decision to step down as manager following a 2-1 loss by Finland in a World Cup qualifier last week, with reports Lewandowski may now reverse his decision to quit the national team.

Poland are currently third in their World Cup qualifying group after three matches on six points, a point behind group leaders Finland, who have played one game more.

Group favourites the Netherlands are second in the table on six points, but have only played two matches to date.

Related: England Poland Barcelona Lewandowski Gareth Southgate Michal Probierz
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