The Football Association (FA) have begun preparations for a future without Gareth Southgate at the helm of England’s national team despite Erik ten Hag staying on as Manchester United manager.
The possibility of appointing another foreign manager to replace Southgate has not been dismissed.
Southgate, who assumed his role in 2016, hinted that Euro 2024 could be his final major tournament as England boss.
His contract runs until December, and discussions about his future will take place with FA chiefs following the Euros in Germany.
Mark Bullingham, the FA’s chief executive, is keen to retain Southgate for as long as possible.
Southgate’s tenure, which has seen England reach a World Cup semi-final and Euros final, ranks him as the second most successful manager in England’s history, behind only Sir Alf Ramsey.
However, Bullingham concedes that the FA must prepare for the likelihood that Southgate may not remain in his position indefinitely, and has begun contemplating potential successors.
Bullingham stated: “Gareth has been really, really clear that he wants to talk about this after the tournament. I don’t want to provide any distraction for him and the team.
“What I will say is you know I think the world of Gareth. I think he’s done a phenomenal job. You know we value him massively.
“I have said before that any organisation really has a succession plan in place for their top employees, and we are no different to that.
“We have that for top employees. Clearly, you plan lots of different scenarios for all your top employees all the time.”
Bullingham has made it clear that no potential successors have been discussed, but he did not dismiss the possibility of the next manager being from overseas.
He continued: “We are sitting down after the tournament together and will talk about everything.”I’ve had no approach about him (Southgate).
“I want to focus on the here and now, focus on the tournament ahead and then we’ll get into all those questions at whatever point we need to in the future.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk