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

The English Football Association is determined to launch a thorough process in the search for a new manager should Gareth Southgate leave, with Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Lee Carsley and Mauricio Pochettino among the early contenders.

Southgate will hold talks with his superiors at the FA in the coming days following Sunday night’s crushing defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.

Southgate is expected to step down after eight years in the role, but the governing body wants him to stay and is prepared to offer him a minimum two-year extension.

However, a succession plan has been drawn up which will come into effect when Southgate steps down.

The FA want to go through a full and proper process before making a decision on their No.1 candidate, but Mail Sport can reveal that players such as Howe, Potter and Pochettino have admirers behind the scenes.

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

Former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter (above) is another manager on the FA’s shortlist

Howe’s work at Newcastle, and previously Bournemouth, has been admired by sporting director John McDermott and the Magpies boss is seen as a strong candidate.

Howe is believed to be happy at Newcastle but would consider any national team move.

Potter has been unemployed since leaving Chelsea over a year ago, but he is said to be open to the England job.

Carsley is currently England Under-21 manager and is likely to be interviewed for the role as the FA goes through its recruitment process.

Interestingly, Pochettino is also said to be considering the chance to coach England, having left Chelsea at the end of last season.

The English Football Association would prefer to see a local coach as Southgate’s replacement, but has not ruled out a foreign manager either.

Incidentally, Sarina Weigman, the coach of the England women’s team, is Dutch.

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

Eddie Howe is happy at Newcastle but is reportedly considering a move to the national team

The FA would ideally like a coach from its own academy to replace Southgate, but would not rule out appointing an overseas manager given Sarina Wiegman’s success with the women’s team

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

Southgate’s contract doesn’t expire until December, but with England’s next games in September, there is a pressing need to sort out his future so the search for a replacement can begin.

Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, who are both unemployed, could be outsiders for the role.