The Football Association (FA) has prepared a shortlist of potential candidates to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager, should he choose to step down. Among the names are Newcastle’s Eddie Howe and former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, according to Sky Sports News.
Also on the FA’s radar are former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is currently out of work, and Lee Carsley, the current England U21 boss. The FA is considering managers who have come through the ranks at St George’s Park.
Southgate, whose contract expires in December, is expected to reflect on his future in the coming days. He promised not to prolong the uncertainty regarding his role beyond the Euro 2024 final.
Mark Bullingham, the FA chief executive, mentioned before the tournament that they have a comprehensive succession plan in place. However, he refused to disclose specific names under consideration, confirming only that no talks have been held with potential replacements for Southgate yet.
Bullingham and the FA’s technical director John McDermott will lead the decision-making process. An English coach is their preference, but they will conduct thorough due diligence and speak with multiple candidates before making a final decision. With the Nations League campaign starting in six weeks, the FA needs to act swiftly.
Potter, who has been out of work since his dismissal from Chelsea in the spring of 2023, has turned down several job offers, including from Ajax and other top European clubs. Managing the national team might be an opportunity that lures him back into management, as he is highly regarded by FA bosses.
Howe, highly respected within the FA, presents a more complex situation due to his current position at Newcastle. His “long-term contract” with the club, signed in 2022, would likely require significant compensation if he were to leave. Additionally, he would have to accept a considerable pay cut to become the national team manager. Howe has previously indicated he is not ready to leave club management for an international role.
There has been no official comment from the FA, as Southgate remains in his position.
Credit: Sky Sports
