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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Next England manager: FA have 'interim solution' in place as Gareth Southgate steps down

The FA have an “interim solution” in place if they do not find a successor for Gareth Southgate before England kick off their Nations League campaign in September.

Southgate announced on Tuesday morning that he was stepping down as England manager after eight years in the job.

The 53-year-old leaves after an incredibly successful stint that saw the Three Lions make the final of two European Championships and a World Cup semi-final.

The FA have begun the search for Southgate's successor and Newcastle's Eddie Howe is thought to be a leading contender.

Former Chelsea bosses Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino are understood to be interested in the job.

Lee Carsley, England's Under-21 coach who led the youngsters to the European Championship last summer, is expected to be interviewed.

The FA’s chief executive, Mark Bullingham, says they want a new manager in “as soon as possible”, but a plan is in place if one isn’t hired by the time England travel to Ireland on September 7 to kick off their Nations League campaign.

“Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success. He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at The FA and across the world of football.

“We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them.

“The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible. Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed.

“We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until we appoint.”

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