Eddie Howe, Gareth Southgate, Frank Lampard

The best english managers in world football right now

October 28, 2025 Oliver Obel

English football has entered a fascinating new era — one where its homegrown managers are once again proving their worth across Europe and beyond. For decades, the conversation around English coaching was dominated by claims that the nation simply didn’t produce world-class tacticians. The era of Guardiola, Klopp, and Ancelotti made that perception even harder to shake. But in recent years, a new wave of English managers has emerged — bold, creative thinkers who have taken lessons from the continent and fused them with the grit and character long associated with the English game.

From the Premier League touchlines to dugouts in France and Sweden, English managers are now leaving their mark with exciting football philosophies and measured leadership. Some are building dynasties at home, others are reinventing themselves abroad — all while proving that the English managerial identity is alive and evolving. Here, we count down the 13 best English managers in world football right now, ranked based on their achievements, tactical influence, and potential for future success.

13. Gary O’Neil

Gary O’Neil’s career has been a whirlwind, marked by both success and setbacks. After keeping Bournemouth in the Premier League when few believed he could, his reputation grew rapidly as one of the brightest young English coaches. A difficult second spell at Wolves ended prematurely, but his earlier achievements shouldn’t be overlooked. O’Neil’s analytical style and calm approach suggest he will soon find another opportunity to prove himself at the top level.

12. Graham Potter

Graham Potter’s fall from grace has been swift, but his ability remains undeniable. His Brighton side played some of the most fluid, modern football ever seen from a mid-table Premier League club, setting a new standard for tactical innovation. Though spells at Chelsea and West Ham failed to work out, his appointment as head coach of the Swedish national team offers a chance for revival. If Potter can restore his confidence and reconnect with his philosophy, a major comeback could be on the cards.

11. Rob Edwards

Rob Edwards’ managerial story is a testament to persistence and belief. He famously led Luton Town to an unlikely Premier League promotion, a fairytale moment for a club of their size. Though back-to-back relegations followed, Edwards’ coaching reputation remained intact due to his ability to inspire underdogs. Now at Middlesbrough, he appears rejuvenated, with his new side playing with energy and confidence in their push for promotion.

10. Will Still

At just 33 years old, Will Still has already become a symbol of modern coaching ambition. The self-confessed Football Manager addict made headlines in France with impressive spells at Reims and Lens before taking over Southampton. His methods, based on analytics and psychological insight, mark him out as a new breed of English coach. While results have been inconsistent, Still’s potential is unquestionable — he represents the future of English management.

9. Mark Robins

Mark Robins is one of English football’s most underrated figures. His long tenure at Coventry City saw the club rise from League Two to the Championship while maintaining a strong identity and spirit. Now in charge of Stoke City, he’s rebuilt another sleeping giant with a clear tactical plan and belief. Robins may not crave the limelight, but his quiet efficiency continues to produce impressive results season after season.

8. Kieran McKenna

Few managers have risen through the ranks as quickly as Kieran McKenna. The former Manchester United assistant guided Ipswich Town to consecutive promotions, showing remarkable tactical awareness and leadership for a coach in his thirties. Although Ipswich’s Premier League stay was brief, McKenna’s stock remains high, with top clubs continuing to monitor his progress. His blend of detail, modern training methods, and man-management hints at a long future in the elite game.

7. Scott Parker

Scott Parker’s managerial path has been full of lessons learned. After short-lived stints with Fulham and Bournemouth, he took the reins at Burnley, where he has finally found stability. His emphasis on structure and defensive resilience has turned Burnley into a difficult side to beat in the Premier League. Once considered a transitional figure, Parker is now building a reputation for maturity and tactical discipline.

6. Sean Dyche

Sean Dyche remains a standard-bearer for English coaching resilience. His years at Burnley proved that success doesn’t always require glamour — just organization, belief, and work ethic. Now at Nottingham Forest, Dyche has brought the same steel and structure to a club once plagued by inconsistency. While his football may not always be easy on the eye, few can argue with his effectiveness and leadership.

5. Lee Carsley

Lee Carsley’s achievements with England’s Under-21s have made him one of the most respected developers of young talent in Europe. Guiding the team to back-to-back European Championship titles in 2023 and 2025, he’s built a culture of confidence and creativity. Carsley has shown he can blend tactical control with attacking freedom — a balance that’s rare at youth level. Many believe it’s only a matter of time before he takes charge of a senior club or even the national team.

4. Frank Lampard

After a turbulent few years, Frank Lampard’s managerial career is enjoying a resurgence. Taking charge of Coventry City, he’s overseen a thrilling attacking transformation that has reenergized both players and fans. His tactical evolution — from a possession-based idealist at Chelsea to a pragmatic motivator in the Championship — shows real growth. Lampard may not be finished at the top level, and his success at Coventry could open new doors soon.

3. Liam Rosenior

Liam Rosenior has quickly become one of England’s most exciting managerial exports. After impressing at Hull City, his move to Strasbourg has proved a masterstroke, leading the French club to a top-seven finish and a style admired across Ligue 1. Rosenior’s calm authority and modern tactical ideas make him a standout in a new generation of English coaches. His work abroad is not just enhancing his reputation but also raising the profile of English management overseas.

2. Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate’s legacy as England manager will always divide opinion, but his impact on the national setup is undeniable. He restored pride and unity to a side long haunted by failure, guiding them deep into major tournaments. Though he never delivered a trophy, his consistency and professionalism redefined what it means to manage England. Southgate’s calm leadership and man-management skills ensure he remains one of the most respected figures in world football.

1. Eddie Howe

Eddie Howe stands as the benchmark for English management in 2025. His transformation of Newcastle United has been nothing short of remarkable — turning a struggling side into a Champions League contender while maintaining an exciting brand of football. Under Howe, Newcastle have won silverware and re-established themselves as one of England’s top clubs. Intelligent, measured, and ambitious, Howe is not only the best English manager right now — he’s the standard others aspire to reach.