Revealed: The leading candidates to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager - with Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino two of THREE ex-Chelsea bosses on five-man list which includes Under 21s boss Lee Carsley

By Sami Mokbel

Published: | Updated:

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.

The FA will have to search for a new manager should Gareth Southgate walk away after Sunday

The FA will have to search for a new manager should Gareth Southgate walk away after Sunday

Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino (above) is in the frame to succeed Southgate

Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino (above) is in the frame to succeed Southgate

Ex-Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter (above) is another manager on the FA's shortlist

Ex-Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter (above) is another manager on the FA's shortlist

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 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.

Eddie Howe is happy at Newcastle but would consider an approach from the national team

Eddie Howe is happy at Newcastle but would consider an approach from the national team

The FA would ideally like a homegrown coach to replace Southgate but would not rule out appointing a foreign manager given Sarina Wiegman's success with the women's team

The FA would ideally like a homegrown coach to replace Southgate but would not rule out appointing a foreign manager given Sarina Wiegman's success with the women's team

Thomas Tuchel has previously managed top clubs including Bayern Munich, PSG, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund
Lee Carsley would likely be interviewed for the role should Southgate leave

Thomas Tuchel (left) and England U21 manager Lee Carsley (right) complete the FA's shortlist

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. 

Eddie HoweGareth SouthgateEngland Football