Gareth Southgate’s resignation as England manager after their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain has left the Football Association (FA) with a challenging task to find a successor. Southgate, who led the team for eight years, said it was "time for change." The FA wanted him to stay until December, but now they aim to appoint a new manager before England’s Nations League match against the Republic of Ireland on September 7.

Potential candidates include Newcastle’s Eddie Howe and former Chelsea managers Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter, and Thomas Tuchel. Potter is an early favorite, despite a poor tenure at Chelsea. Tuchel, a Champions League winner with Chelsea, might face fan resistance due to his German nationality. Pochettino, linked to a strong relationship with Harry Kane, also failed to secure the Champions League with PSG. Howe's recent success with Newcastle is marred by a previous relegation with Bournemouth.

The FA is considering a foreign coach but faces the challenge of England's tough World Cup 2026 qualifiers. They are not top-seeded, with teams like Spain, Germany, France, or Portugal as potential group opponents. Interim solution Lee Carsley, current under-21 coach, is being considered after Southgate's successful transition from the same role.

Southgate's tenure, despite a talented squad, ended without major trophies. His successor must aim to finally secure a major win for England.