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GARETH SOUTHGATE’s tenure as England manager has come to an end after he sensationally quit his post – with EIGHT top gaffers being lined up as his replacement.
The 53-year-old guided the Three Lions to their second successive Euros final against Spain earlier this month.
But his troops failed to end the nation’s 58-year-long wait for silverware, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Spain in last Sunday’s final in Berlin.
Southgate endured a rollercoaster Euro 2024, facing criticism for performances in the early stages before being lauded for the team’s improvement and his brilliant substitutions in his side’s last-gasp semi-final win over the Netherlands last Wednesday.
Now, eight years and 102 games after accepting the job, he has parted ways with the national team – as exclusively revealed by SunSport.
Southgate hinted he could step down after the tournament before a ball had even been kicked.
And he seemingly doubled down on that notion in his post-match interview, saying: “I think England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they’ve got now.
“The age of the squad.
“Most of this squad are going to be around not only for the World Cup but the next Euros as well.
“There’s a lot to look forward to but this moment is not any consolation.”
FA chiefs were desperate to keep Southgate on board for another two years, at least, so he can see England through to the World Cup in 2026.
But the former Three Lions defender previously insisted he does not want to outstay his welcome and has now walked away from the job.
Southgate posted an emotional statement on the FA website.
But who could replace him should he make the decision to walk away? Well, look no further as SunSport is on hand with eight potential candidates to replace The Three Lions boss.
Thomas Tuchel
The former Chelsea boss loved his brief time in the Premier League.
And SunSport can exclusively reveal Tuchel has already thrown his hat into the ring to replace Southgate.
The German is a tactical beast, masterminding Chelsea’s famous Champions League win against all odds in 2021.
Tuchel knows how to get the best out of the players he is given, making him ideal for an international set-up.
Things didn’t work out well for the gaffer in Bavaria.
But his work at Chelsea speaks for itself, and his desire to take the job makes him one of the strongest candidates available.
Graham Potter
Potter has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in April 2023.
The ex-Blues boss has been approached by the likes of Lyon, Ajax and Leicester since then but turned down each proposal.
And now Michael Owen has tipped him to be the next England manager.
Eddie Howe
Howe is also a name regularly linked with the England job.
However, he appears to be happy at Newcastle as things stand.
Lee Carsley
The former Ireland midfielder is currently head coach of England’s U21s.
He led his team to the U21 European Championship title last summer, becoming the first England boss to do so at that level.
Carsley subsequently rejected a job offer from the Republic of Ireland to remain in his position.
Frank Lampard
Gary Lineker tipped the Chelsea legend to take over from Southgate last week.
He said: “There’s no question about that. I think he’s been a bit unlucky in his managerial career in some ways. He gets it tactically.
“I think this will be Gareth Southgate’s last tournament whatever happens. If he wins I think he’ll absolutely bow out and if he doesn’t then I think he’ll bow out. It will be his decision.
“But, I wouldn’t disregard Frank Lampard [as Southgate’s replacement]. I think he tactically gets it. I think the players would respect him immediately.”
Mauricio Pochettino
Poch stunned fans when he left Chelsea by mutual consent in May.
The 52-year-old had spent just 11 months at Stamford Bridge and enjoyed a promising end to the 2023-24 campaign, but club officials agreed that one season at the helm was enough.
Pep Guardiola
Reports last year suggested the FA had earmarked Guardiola to replace Southgate when he steps down.
The Spaniard’s appointment is considered a “dream” by some FA chiefs.
However, he still has one year remaining on his Manchester City contract.
Jurgen Klopp
Klopp is currently enjoying some time away from football following his Liverpool departure.
He allegedly rejected an approach from the USA national team earlier this week.
However, the German could be tempted by the England job should it come up having won over English fans and players during his time at Anfield – Sun
Online Reporter