Who could replace Gareth Southgate after his England Resignation?

Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager two days after the heartbreaking loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

For the second consecutive Euros, Southgate’s side fell at the final hurdle.

Southgate had been England’s manager for eight years and leaves the role after a fourth major tournament in charge.

In a final message, Gareth Southgate said it has been an honour to play for and manage England.

He said: “But it’s time for change and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.”

On his latest squad, Southgate continued:

“The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.

“I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football and understand the power football has to drive positive change.

“My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years.

“Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.”

The FA is now set to begin the process of choosing a successor.

FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham says England aims to have a new manager “as soon as possible”.

He also stated that an interim boss will be in place “if needed” for the UEFA Nations League, which begins against the Republic of Ireland on September 7, 2024.

Bullingham said: “The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now underway and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible.

“We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until we appoint.”

It has been reported that Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Lee Carsley and Mauricio Pochettino are among the early contenders.

The FA want to conduct a full process before deciding on their top candidate but behind the scenes, Howe, Potter and Pochettino have admirers behind the scenes.

Howe’s work at Newcastle, and formerly Bournemouth, has been admired by technical director John McDermott and the Magpies boss is viewed as a strong candidate.

It is believed that he is happy at Newcastle but would consider any approach from the national team.

Since being sacked by Chelsea over a year ago, Graham Potter has been out of work and would be open to taking the England job.

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 Gareth Southgate, but would not rule out appointing a foreign boss.

Thomas Tuchel is another figure who would be interested in any vacancy.

Southgate’s contract doesn’t expire until December 2024 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.

Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, who are both out of work, could emerge as outsiders for the role.