Ranking the 10 Best English Managers in the World | 2025

As the world of football is growing, English managers are making their mark on the international level, showcasing competitiveness and a blend of tactical and managerial skills. This ranking of the top 10 best English managers in the world celebrates those who have risen above challenges, blending conventional strategies with modern approach to leave a lasting impact. From Premier League triumphs to international success, these coaches are redefining what it means to be an English manager in today’s game.

Right from Newcastle United’s long-term manager Eddie Howe, to the likes of Sean Dyche and Gareth Southgate, who have been around for years, English football today has some of the best managers in the world on offer. Expect to see a mix of English seasoned veterans and newcomers in a niche that has been dominated by European stalwarts for far too long. From leading clubs to various silverware, transforming talents, and and right man-management, a number of these names have made themselves dependable tacticians.

Some have conquered the domestic stage, some dominate at the world stage, proving their adaptability in the world stage and international league. We are going to list down the best English managers existing on this planet right now. Will the top spot go to a manager who has brought long-awaited glory to a historic club, or to someone whose international success has redefined expectations?

After going through this article, you will be able to debate with your so-called football pundits and fans about who the best English managers are right now. You will have a detailed introduction of each and every manager with their stats and figures. We will first deal with the ranking factors that have been used to create this list, with each name representing a unique story of victory and ambition. As the football world watches closely, these managers are not just shaping their teams but also the future of English coaching. From gritty survival specialists to visionary tacticians, the countdown is on to discover who stands at the pinnacle of this list of the best English managers in 2025.

What Makes a Great Manager in Modern Football

Trophies Won: Trophies are the best way to find how good a manager is. Let me ask you a question (Example – Who will you rate higher as manager: Pep Guardiola with 15 trophies or a random manager with 0 trophies). If your answer is Pep Guardiola, you already understand this factor! In modern football, where competition is fierce across domestic leagues, cups, and European tournaments, securing silverware demonstrates tactical superiority, squad management, and the ability to perform under pressure. This factor is crucial for finding out the best English managers because it directly correlates with a manager’s legacy and their ability to meet the expectations of fans and club owners, making it a primary benchmark for greatness.

Impact on Players: You must have observed before penalties that the coach has the last say, if at that time a team behaves like a team and sticks together, additionally get what he said during the team huddle, 9/10 times you will see that team winning. A great manager leaves a lasting impact on their players, elevating their performance, confidence, and career trajectories. This involves not just tactical guidance but also making sure a positive dressing room where players can thrive mentally and technically. We have closely examined all the listed managers here and how many players were developed under them ,and how many established players became the best version of themselves.

Win Ratio: To sum up everything we have, this factor that you can not win trophies without winning games, and players will lose respect for those managers failing to implement their plans on the pitch. This factor will give an overview of the manager. (Example, a manager who achieves a 60% win ratio while competing in a top league and European competitions proves their ability to handle intense schedules and diverse opponents). This factor is critical because it measures sustained performance, separating managers who can deliver long-term success from those who may falter under pressure or fail to adapt to changing circumstances.

Top 10 Best English Football Managers

10. Sean Dyche

Sean Dyche must be nicknamed a survival expert. The manager has kept the team in the Premier League since 20223, giving the players an additional boost to perform and do something unexpected in the first division of English football. despite points deductions and financial turmoil, in 2025, he continues to navigate Everton through a challenging takeover period, ensuring their top-flight status. He has been brought in as a survival expert by multiple teams in the past. Who does not remember his expert job in keeping Burnley in the league a couple of years ago?

Dyche likes his team to play in a low block, relying largely on counterattacks. That, of course, is also down to how Dyche has largely managed minnows, during his entire career. A 35% win ratio and no major trophies reflect his focus on survival rather than silverware as of now, with the given club conditions. However, his consistent Premier League presence and ability to manage under pressure secures his spot in the top 10.

Key Factors	Figures
Age	53
Total Trophies	0
Win Ratio	35.00%

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9. Mark Robins

Mark Robins has done some impossible things last season, leading Coventry to the Championship play-offs multiple times and nearly reaching the FA Cup final in 2024 after a dramatic semi-final against Manchester United. In 2025, he’s pushing for promotion again and this time he looks promising. He is kind of a balanced manager who focuses on defense as well as on the attack.

His ability to overachieve with limited resources makes him one of the best English managers. A 39% win ratio reflects his steady success with Coventry. While he hasn’t won major trophies, his longevity and impact at Coventry place him above Dyche, though his league level means he only deserves a place in the ninth spot.

Key Factors	Figures
Age	55
Total Trophies	0
Win Ratio	39.00%

8. Gary O’Neil

O’Neil has proven his worth as a manager who was able to promote Bournemouth first, which itself was a hard task, and with Wolverhampton, he managed to keep the club in the Premier League despite constantly struggling with finances. Wolverhampton initially struggled this season, but are now out of the relegation zone and have another season to prove themselves.

Wolverhampton was a team with a defensive approach earlier, but now this team is capable of handling teams like Manchester City and Liverpool with a winning mentality, and not with a survival mentality. With a 31% win ratio, O’Neil’s overachievement in the Premier League earns him a high ranking. He lacks trophies, but his pragmatic approach keeps him ahead of Robins.

Key Factors	Figures
Age	41
Total Trophies	0
Win Ratio	31.00%

7. Rob Edwards

Rob Edwards has already been handed over the status of “Legend” by the fans of Luton Town. He took a non-league team to the Premier League between 2014-2024. But unfortunately, they went back to the second division, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacking play. His man-management has united a squad with limited resources, earning Luton respect in the Premier League.

Rob Edwards with his 39% reflects his overachievement with Luton, which is very impressive if you look from a neutral fan perspective. While he has no major trophies, his journey from non-league to the Premier League highlights his managerial skills.

Key Factors	Figures
Age	42
Total Trophies	0
Win Ratio	39.00%

6. Will Still

Born in Belgium but of English descent, he has made waves in Ligue 1 with Reims and Lens, first with an 18-match unbeaten run at Reims in 2022-23, and now pushing Lens toward European qualification in 2025. His international success highlights the growing global influence of English coaches. The never give up attitude make him one of the best English football managers

The manager focuses more on high-pressure games and quick transitions from behind. His ability to overachieve with mid-tier clubs has earned him a strong reputation. He is ranked above Rob Edwards due to his 43% win ratio and his international stint, rank him above Edwards. While he lacks trophies, his impact in Ligue 1 and potential for bigger roles make him a standout English manager.

Key Factors	Figures
Age	32
Total Trophies	0
Career Win Percentage	43.00%

5. Michael Carrick

Carrick took over Middlesbrough in 2022, turning them from relegation candidates into play-off contenders in his first season. By 2025, he’s pushing for another play-off spot, having also reached the League Cup semi-finals in 2023-24. This stat was enough to prove that he deserved to be on the list of the best English managers now.

His calm behavior and focus on youth development to create a homegrown team have reimagined the English side Middlesbrough, making them a competitive Championship side. With Carrick in charge, fans have hopes that their side will make it into the top tier.

Key Factors	Figures
Age	43
Total Trophies	0
Career Win Percentage	47.00%

4. Kieran McKenna

McKenna has done something that many managers aspire to achieve with Ipswich – a small club- he has made history by getting promoted to the top division of English football. His first Premier League season in 2024-25 has been challenging, but his attacking philosophy has earned widespread praised, in another words the team does not like to sit back and defend rather try to make attacks. Unfortunately, Ipswich will get relegated at the end of the season.

A 48% win ratio and his impressive ascent with Ipswich highlight his potential. While the former Manchester United man has not won his first trophy, his impact in the Premier League as a young English manager secures his spot ahead of Carrick. The manager’s aggressive mentality is visible as he goes for the win every time, whether it’s a mid-table team or a top-table team. This ranks him at number 4 in our list of top English managers currently.

Key Factors	Figures
Age	38
Total Trophies	0
Career Win Percentage	51.00%

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3. Graham Potter

A ‘Potter head” will never forget his stint with Brighton Hove Albion. But his reputation as a tactical innovator remains strong. Potter has earned high praise from stalwarts such as Pep Guardiola, but may need a resurgence in the coming time. He emphasizes possession, positional play, and versatility. His ability to improve players and implement a progressive style has made him a sought-after manager.

The manager is currently out of work and looking for other clubs to hire him. Despite a 41% win ratio and no major trophies, Potter’s tactical influence and potential for future roles place him high. His Brighton legacy outweighs the lack of silverware, ranking him above active managers like McKenna.

Key Factors	Figures
Age	38
Total Trophies	0
Career Win Percentage	41.00%

2. Gareth Southgate

One of the best English managers under his tenure as the coach of England National Team he had worked really great, but in the end, he has no silverware in his name. (2016-2024) Marked a golden era, with two consecutive European Championship finals (2020, 2024) and a 2018 World Cup semi-final. The best run for England after the 1960s.

Southgate prioritized defensive stability while fostering a strong team culture. His emphasis on youth development and mental preparation revitalized England’s international standing. A 48% win ratio reflects his consistency with England, and his impact on the national team is immense. However, his lack of recent club experience and no major trophies slightly lower his ranking behind Howe.

Key Factors	Figures
Age	58
Total Trophies	0
Career Win Percentage	48.00%

1. Eddie Howe

The English Manger has don something unexpected with Newcastle United by making them win the Carabao Cup and a trophy for Newcastle after a long wait. The first major trophy won by an English manager since 2008. Since taking over in 2021, he’s transformed Newcastle from relegation candidates into a European contender, showcasing his ability to manage a high-pressure, well funded club.

With a 45% win ratio and a major trophy, Howe stands out among English managers. His success in the Premier League, where he’s the only English manager to win a major honor recently, cements his top spot. His focus on player development and team cohesion has elevated Newcastle’s squad, making them a consistent top-six side in the Premier League.

Key Factors	Figures
Age	47
Total Trophies	1
Career Win Percentage	45.00%

List of 10 Best English Managers right now

Rank	Name	Club	League	Trophies Won	Win Ratio
1	Eddie Howe	Newcastle United	Premier League	1 (Carabao Cup 2024)	45.00%
2	Gareth Southgate	Unemployed	N/A	0	48.00%
3	Graham Potter	West Ham	N/A	0	41.00%
4	Kieran McKenna	Ipswich Town	Premier League	0	48.00%
5	Michael Carrick	Middlesbrough	EFL Championship	0	47.00%
6	Will Still	Lens	Ligue 1	0	43.00%
7	Rob Edwards	Luton Town	Premier League	0	39.00%
8	Gary O’Neil	Wolverhampton Wanderers	Premier League	0	31.00%
9	Mark Robins	Stoke City	EFL Championship	0	39.00%
10	Sean Dyche	Everton	Premier League	0	35.00%

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