England face Spain in Berlin on Sunday in the final of Euro 2024, but they do so without knowing who their coach will be heading into next season.
Gareth Southgate has guided The Three Lions to their second successive European Championship final, become the first England manager ever to reach to major finals.
Southgate is hoping for better luck against Spain after tasting defeat to Italy at Wembley in 2021, but it remains to be seen if it will be his final game in charge as his current deal expires later this year.
Southgate will have option to stay for World Cup in 2026
HITC understands that the Football Association’s first option is for Southgate to remain in charge until the next World Cup in 2026.
The FA have always seen Southgate remaining as their priority but he has previously refused to commit his future and sign a new contract.
His current deal is due to expire at the end of this year, and as such the FA have been doing their due diligence if – as they expected – Southgate would leave his role.
FA have options if Southgate decides to leave
HITC has revealed that the FA had been working on options and it is understood that Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, former Chelsea boss Graham Potter and current Under-21 chief Lee Carsley are seen as the leading options.
The FA, though, believe Southgate staying for the World Cup would be best option and they will give him some time after the Euros, no matter the result of the final, to decide his future.
England begin their Nations League campaign in September but their World Cup qualifying schedule does not begin until March 2025.
- READ MORE – Steve McManaman rages at Virgil van Dijk & John Stones’ actions during Euro 2024 semi-final
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