FA 'identify' three possible Gareth Southgate England replacements and two have already issued verdicts

Gareth Southgate’s future as England manager is unclear following the Three Lions’ defeat in the Euro 2024 final. Southgate’s men limped to the final with the help of a kind path to Berlin, with many of Europe’s top teams falling on the other side of the draw.

England found their way to the final but were outplayed for much of it, struggling to get hold of the ball and managing just 34% possession and failing to deal with Spain’s energy, press and aggressive style of play. While Southgate has impressed as England boss, uniting a previously fractured national team, it has now reached the stage where he is struggling to get the Three Lions over the finish line.

That’s despite England having one of the most talented teams in world football on paper, boasting individual talent such as Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and others. And there are also big questions over why those players are struggling to play their best football with the national side, with a sharp contrast between their form at club and international level.

Speaking after the Euro 2024 final, Southgate said of his future: “Now is not the time for me to speak about that. I need to talk to the right people and give myself a bit of time. To get to another final... it was a privilege to have the opportunity. But to come up short is hard at the moment."

The FA say they are behind Southgate, but there is a feeling that the former Middlesbrough boss may walk away of his own accord, given the pressure surrounding the job. Meanwhile, the Guardian have reported that Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe, former Chelsea boss Graham Potter and former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel are the likely targets for the FA if Southgate goes.

What has Eddie Howe said about the England job?

Howe told Sky Sports previously when asked about England links: “It's a strange one for me because, when I'm in this mode, I'm totally oblivious to everything. I’m so focused on the day-to-day part, it's not a cliched answer it's the truth. I don't lift my head and see what is going on or what people say.

“Talking on the national team, my big memories were watching you [Neville] play for England. That era was very much me in my early years, forming a love for England and wanting them to do well, having that feeling of devastation when we didn’t quite make it over the line. “I loved that feeling of watching the national team, I was immersed in it. I love England and I hope they go on to win the Euros this summer, and I think they can. I love Gareth and I’ve got a real determination for England to win. I’ve never really thought about international football. Who knows what will happen in the future.”

What has Thomas Tuchel said about the England job?

Tuchel has previously been linked with the England job, and speaking in 2022, he told The Hindu Times of the possibility of going into international management: "Yeah, why not? I would, I would. I did not give too much thought to it until now. But I would consider if it is the right team and if it has the potential to win trophies like the World Cup and the Euros."

Pressed on whether he would take the England job, the German added: "I see where you are going. But I think England has a good coach right now. The team is very strong and very talented… as for everything else, I will not comment."