Howe, Potter, Tuchel, and Carsley England candidates if Southgate goes

Carsley, a former Ireland international and once a candidate to replace Stephen Kenny, is in the FA’s system and led the England under-21s to glory at the European Championships last year.

England U21 head coach Lee Carsley.

Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel will be near the top of the Football Association’s ­shortlist if Gareth Southgate steps down as England manager after a second consecutive defeat in a European Championship final. Southgate has not made a final decision, with the FA hopeful of convincing him to stay and lead the team into the 2026 World Cup, but it would not be a surprise if he chose to leave after eight years in the job.

Southgate, whose contract expires in December, said before England’s defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday that he would need days rather than weeks to make his mind up. The 53-year-old, who said he was “devastated” after losing against Spain, had to deal with plenty of criticism from fans and pundits ­during the tournament. He cut a weary figure at times and could decide he needs a new challenge, even though he retains the support of the England squad and the FA.