England 'pick dream Gareth Southgate replacement' with FA planning for departure
England are starting to plan for life without Gareth Southgate at the helm
PA
The FA reportedly feel Gareth Southgate will leave his post as manager after next summer's European Championships - and would love Pep Guardiola to replace him.
The 53-year-old guided England to the final of Euro 2020 and also helped them reach the semi-finals of the World Cup back in 2018.
Yet the Daily Mail say the FA are starting to plan for life without Southgate, amid an expectancy he'll step down from his role after next summer's Euros.
It's claimed that, last year, they started to explore potential replacements.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola is being lined up to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager
PA
Eddie Howe was considered though, with the 45-year-old working wonders at Newcastle, an appointment was never feasible.
Graham Potter was another candidate, having fared well at Brighton before a disastrous spell at Chelsea.
The FA also considered Mauricio Pochettino, who was out of work at the time following a turbulent time at Paris Saint-Germain.
And Brendan Rodgers was also considered, too, despite being from Northern Ireland.
Now, however, the FA have set their sights on bringing Guardiola to Wembley in the event of any Southgate exit.
Many feel the 52-year-old is destined to manage Spain one day.
However, his vocal support for Catalan independence represents an obstacle with the country long split on the issue.
Guardiola was appointed as Manchester City boss back in 2016.
And he's turned the club into the best team in world football during his seven-year stint at the Etihad Stadium.
Just last year Guardiola guided City to a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble.
With the Spaniard's contract at City due to expire in 2025, he could end up leaving one year early if the FA make a move.
But any appointment won't be cheap with the FA 'clawing back Covid losses of up to £300million'.
For now, Southgate is plotting a way for England to win a first major trophy since the World Cup in 1966.
But his time as manager appears to be drawing to a close and there's a big feeling next summer's Euros will be his last tournament in the role.
England are said to have fears over how to replace Harry Kane, too, with the Bayern Munich striker entering the twilight years of his career.
Kane has made a strong start to life at the Allianz Arena since moving from Tottenham last month.
However, at the age of 31, there's a realisation that Kane can't go on forever.
Mason Greenwood was once touted as the heir to Kane's throne during his days playing regularly for Manchester United.
However, the 21-year-old 'couldn't be further away from a recall' at the current moment in time.
Southgate recently confirmed as much, saying: "He’s not playing so it’s not a consideration for us. It’s hypothetical.
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Gareth Southgate has worked wonders during his time as England manager with the Three Lions a force once again
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"Whatever I say will be used in a less nuanced fashion frankly."
England are next in action against Ukraine on Saturday night (5pm).
The Three Lions won 2-0 when the same sides met back in March, with Kane and Bukayo Saka on target.
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