England news: Graham Potter in the running to replace Gareth Southgate as manager

Graham Potter has been installed as the bookies’ favourite to replace Gareth Southgate, who announced on Tuesday that he was stepping down as England manager.

Southgate stepped into the role in September 2016, replacing Sam Allardyce, and was under contract with the Football Association until December 2024.

But the former Middlesbrough manager decided to call time on his eight-year spell in charge of the senior England team following their 2-1 defeat to Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.

Southgate was subject to widespread criticism from fans and pundits during the tournament in Germany, as England looked laboured in an opening win over Serbia and group-stage draws with Denmark and Slovenia.

Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp overhead kick spared England’s blushes against Slovakia in the last 16, where Harry Kane’s extra-time header booked their place in the quarter-finals.

There was an improvement in the display against Switzerland after a change to a 3-4-2-1 formation, with England winning a penalty shootout 5-3 to reach the last four.

England were awarded a controversial penalty in a 2-1 win over the Netherlands, who dominated the second half but were undone by a late goal from sub Ollie Watkins.

But the Three Lions fell at the final hurdle once again, having lost to Italy on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, with Spain outclassing them in a 2-1 win.

And Southgate, who was linked with Manchester United before they handed Erik ten Hag a new contract, has decided the time is right for him to stand down.

He told the press in a statement: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.

"But it's time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday's final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.

"I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men's manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.

"I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.

"I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.

"The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of. I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George's Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change.

"My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them - the brilliant 'team behind the team'.

"We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I'm an England fan and I always will be.

"I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.

"Thank you, England - for everything."

Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Potter will hardly set the pulses racing for England fans having struggled to manage a team of expensively-assembled players at Stamford Bridge - but he is 11/10 favourite to take the England reins, with Lee Carsley rated a 5/2 chance.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is priced at 4/1 but would be expensive to prise from the Magpies, while former Liverpool manager Jurgen is available and rated as an 8/1 shot for the job.

Mauricio Pochettino (10/1), Thomas Tuchel (12/1) and Frank Lampard (20/1) are the other names in the running, with England needing to appoint a new manager ahead of the UEFA Nations League campaign, which begins against Republic of Ireland on Saturday, September 7.

England's Nations League fixtures:

September 7: vs Republic of Ireland (a)

September 10: vs Finland (h)

October 10: vs Greece (h)

October 13: vs Finland (a)

November 14: vs Greece (a)

November 17: vs Republic of Ireland (h)

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham told the press: "The process for appointing Gareth's successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible.

“We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won't be commenting further on our process until we appoint."

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