GARETH SOUTHGATE has picked a date to QUIT his role as England manager, according to sensational reports.
And the FA has reportedly earmarked Pep Guardiola as their replacement.
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Gareth Southgate has reportedly set a date for stepping down as England manager Credit: Getty
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The FA appoints Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as his replacementCredit: AFP
Southgate’s contract at the helm of the Three Lions expires next year after EURO 2024.
Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Guardiola’s contract expires a year after 2025.
But the Daily Mail claims the FA will try to lure the Spaniard to England, with his appointment regarded by some at the FA as a “dream”.
The report explains how England chiefs have discussed Southgate’s successor should he step down after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
FA technical director John McDermott met with colleagues to discuss potential successors ahead of the tournament in Qatar, where England reached the quarter-finals.
Among the names mooted were Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino and Brendan Rodgers.
The FA are now said to be aware of the uncertainty currently surrounding England’s position after next summer’s European Championships.
They will reportedly have the four managers previously discussed in mind, but want to see where they stand with Guardiola.
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Guardiola’s public support for Catalan independence could prevent him from being offered the job in Spain.
However, his wages could be an issue in bringing him into the England set-up thanks to the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on the FA’s pockets, with losses reported at £300m.
Amid speculation about a new England head coach, the report does not rule out Southgate staying at the 2026 World Cup.
In the short term, Southgate has been dealt a blow for his latest Three Lions squad after Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold were forced to withdraw through injury.
England play a EURO 2024 match against Ukraine on Saturday before playing a friendly against Scotland next Tuesday.
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