Gareth Southgate’s future is set to lie away from England and HITC understands that the Football Association have been doing their due diligence on their succession plan.
Southgate’s current deal expires in December and there have been no talks in recent months about an extension.
The FA are happy with Southgate and would be open to him remaining by Euro 2024 and extending his deal, but they have been doing their work on who they would like to replace him if, as they expect, they need to replace him.
Lee Carsley is in contention to take charge of England
HITC can now confirm that the FA have done work on identifying potential successors and England Under-21 chief Lee Carsley is firmly in contention to Gareth Southgate as England manager.
Southgate himself came via the route of Under-21 coach and the FA like the idea of succession within the system.
Carsley himself is a very highly-rated coach in his own right, and HITC can confirm that he has turned down numerous job offers in the last two-years including recently from the Republic of Ireland.
The 50-year-old is currently Under-21 coach but has been with the FA for nearly a decade working from all age groups through from Under-15s to the 21s.
Carsley’s ability was highlighted last summer when he led England to the European Under-21 Championship by beating Spain 1–0 in the final – the first time they had take that title in nearly half a century.
The fact that the FA could appoint from within also highlights to them the belief that their efforts at St George’s Park is working and chief executive Mark Bullingham admitted earlier this month that some plans were indeed already in place for Southgate’s successor.
“Any organisation really has a succession plan in place for their top employees,” Bullingham told German newspaper Bild.
“We are no different to that. This succession plan normally includes everything from what you do for short-term cover, through to a process you follow to candidates. We have that for top employees.
“I want to respect Gareth and the team that they are very focused on the tournament and we want to be supporting them with that focus. Clearly, you plan lots of different scenarios for all your top employees all the time.”
Gareth Southgate admiration for Lee Carsley
Southgate himself has previously revealed his huge admiration for Carsley and the job he has done.
Speaking at the Nations League draw earlier this year, Southgate was asked about Carsley after he was linked to the Ireland role.
“From our perspective he really understands the development part of his role, the fact we’re gonna pinch his best players all of the time!
“I’ve done the (Under-21) job and it’s not easy. But he’s done it exceptionally well, he’s got a way with players and they enjoy playing for him.
“Him and his coaching team are adding to the development of those players which is fantastic for us.”
HITC understands that the FA are well aware of the relationship that Carsley, and his staff including Ashley Cole, have forged with a number of the current England squad and that is a huge plus point for him.
However, Carsley is not the only option being considered by Wembley bosses.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are of interest to FA
HITC previously confirmed that the Football Association had an interest in Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and that remains the case.
We understand that Howe, whilst settled at St James’ Park, having done a fantastic job in the North East could be tempted by the prospect of the country’s top job.
HITC understands that Newcastle would resist any approach by England and the FA – but overall it would likely depend on Howe and his wishes.
Getting Howe out of his deal at Newcastle is obviously not an issue with Carsley and it also not a problem with Graham Potter – who HITC believe has also been assessed by the FA.
Potter has been out of work since leaving Chelsea last year, but has turned down numerous offers including most recently Leicester when talks abruptly broken down when he asked for more time to consider his options.
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