Graham Potter is the firm favorite with the bookies to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager.
The Football Association are determined to conduct a full process in their search for a new manager should Gareth Southgate walk away, with Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Lee Carsley and former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino among the early contenders.
The Three Lions boss has hinted his time as boss might be over after Sunday’s heartbreaking loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
It was Mikel Oyarzabal who broke English hearts to secure 2-1 victory in Berlin – ensuring that 58 years of hurt will go on, until 2026 at least.
Southgate will hold talks with his FA superiors in the coming days following Sunday night’s crushing defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
The expectation is for Southgate to leave his role following eight years in charge, however the governing body want him to stay and are prepared to offer him a minimum two year extension.
Nevertheless, a succession plan is in place which will be actioned should Southgate call it a day.
According to reports, Howe’s work at Newcastle, and at Bournemouth, has been admired by technical director John McDermott and the Magpies boss is viewed as a strong candidate.
It is believed Howe is happy at Newcastle but would consider any approach from the national team.
Potter has been out of work since leaving Chelsea over a year ago and would be open to taking the England job.
Lee Carsley is currently England Under-21 boss and would likely be interviewed for the role as the FA carry out their recruitment process.
Intriguingly, Pochettino would also entertain the opportunity to manage England having left Chelsea at the end of last season.
The FA would ideally prefer a homegrown coach to replace Southgate, but would not rule out appointing a foreign boss.
Southgate’s contract doesn’t expire until December but with England’s next fixtures coming in September there is some urgency in resolving his future so they can begin the process of finding his replacement.
