The Football Association (FA) has revealed that they have a succession plan in place should England manager Gareth Southgate leave his position after the Euro 2024 tournament. However, they have not yet approached any potential replacements. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham affirmed that Southgate’s position is not dependent on England’s performance in the Euros, despite the manager suggesting otherwise in a recent interview. The FA is also open to the possibility of appointing a foreign coach if Southgate departs, with Newcastle manager Eddie Howe reportedly among the potential candidates.
While Bullingham acknowledged that the FA has not been approached by any clubs interested in Southgate’s services, he assured that the organization has a comprehensive succession plan for their top employees. He also emphasized that the evaluation of Southgate’s future will be based on various factors beyond just tournament results.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham, right, confirms the existence of a succession plan
Bullingham further stated that the FA is open to the possibility of appointing a foreign manager, similar to their decision with the Lionesses’ head coach Sarina Wiegman. When asked about the criteria for evaluating Southgate’s future, Bullingham emphasized that arbitrary benchmarks are not the right approach. Instead, the FA will consider a range of factors, including the team’s performance, Southgate’s feelings, and the overall tournament experience.
Mauricio Pochettino is among the potential foreign candidates for the England manager role
Thomas Tuchel is another potential foreign candidate for the England manager position
The FA’s stance on Southgate’s future reflects their commitment to a thoughtful and comprehensive evaluation process. By considering a range of factors beyond just tournament results, they demonstrate their understanding of the complexities involved in international football. While the focus remains on England’s performance in the Euros, the FA’s proactive approach ensures they are prepared for any outcome and can make informed decisions about the team’s leadership moving forward.
