FA are open to appointing a overseas supervisor if Gareth Southgate quits

The FA insist they have drawn up a succession plan should Gareth Southgate leave this summer but are yet to approach any potential replacement.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham on Wednesday revealed Southgate’s position is not dependent on England winning Euro 2024, despite the 53-year-old telling a German newspaper that he would probably leave if the Three Lions don’t lift the trophy here in Germany.

Bullingham also indicated the governing body would be open to appointing a foreign coach if Southgate departs.

Mail Sport reported this week that the FA are yet to draw up a definitive shortlist of candidates in the event that Southgate’s tenure ends after the Euros — although Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admirers at the FA.

Bullingham admitted the FA are yet to reach out to potential candidates to replace Southgate, whose contract expires in December, but is adamant the organisation won’t be left scrambling if the head coach’s reign comes to an end.

Gareth Southgate suggested he could leave if England do not triumph at Euro 2024

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham, right, insists the organisation has a succession plan

He also revealed the FA have not received any approaches from clubs interested in poaching Southgate, who was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.

‘Any organisation has a succession plan in place for their top employees, and we are no different to that,’ explained Bullingham. 

‘This succession plan normally includes everything from what you do for short-term cover, through to a process you follow to candidates.

‘Clearly, you plan lots of different scenarios for all your top employees all the time.’

On the prospect of appointing a foreign manager — which could bring Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel into play — Bullingham said: ‘We have two senior coaches. One of them is English, one of them (Sarina Wiegman, the Dutch manager of the Lionesses) is not.’

The FA are open to appointing a foreign coach, which could bring Mauricio Pochettino, left, and Thomas Tuchel, right, into play

Asked if Southgate’s future hinged on England winning their first trophy since 1966, Bullingham added: ‘I know why people would love for there to be a really arbitrary level to judge, but I don’t think you can set one for any tournament with any manager.

‘You could go far but be playing poorly — or have a really unlucky result where you get a couple of red cards — so setting an arbitrary figure isn’t the right way to go.

‘We will evaluate everything after the tournament, see how he feels, see how we feel and see how the tournament has gone. That is why international manager contracts traditionally end 10 days after the tournament — and we have got longer than that.’