Revealed: The leading candidates to replace Southgate as England boss

• England suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat by Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final
• Gareth Southgate will hold talks with the FA over his future in the coming days
• LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY: Will Gareth Southgate’s legacy remain intact no matter what happens in the final?

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 Mauricio Pochettino among the early contenders.

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.

The FA want to conduct a full and proper process before deciding on their No 1 candidate, but Mail Sport can reveal that the likes of 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.

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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.

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.

Pointedly, England’s women’s team boss Sarina Weigman is Dutch.

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

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.

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