When a team exits a major tournament, questions are asked as to whether the manager will stay on — and it has been no exception with Gareth Southgate following England's 2-1 defeat to France in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The Three Lions boss, 52, has been at the helm since September 2016, leading his team to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018, the Euro 2020 final and now the last eight in Qatar.

Southgate admits he is conflicted over whether he will remain in the role, with his current contract due to take him through to December 2024.

If the former Middlesbrough boss decides now is the right time to step down, which managers will be in contention to fill the vacancy?

Read on as we turn the spotlight on the head coaches who could be in the frame should the FA need to appoint a replacement. 

Could Kane link be key for Pochettino?

Mauricio Pochettino has been out of work since leaving Paris Saint-Germain in July and is waiting for the right offer before taking his next role.

Pochettino, who has been part of the BBC's punditry team in Qatar, did an outstanding job during his tenure at Tottenham, taking them to the Champions League final in 2019.

As a former Spurs manager, his close relationship with England skipper Harry Kane might also work in his favour if he is keen to replace Southgate.

Champions League win could give Tuchel the edge

As a former Premier League manager himself, Thomas Tuchel is another high-profile name currently out of work following Chelsea's brutal decision to sack him earlier this season. 

He won the Champions League with the Blues during an 18-month stint at Stamford Bridge and has also had experience at the top level with Borussia Dortmund and PSG.

Tuchel, 49, is regarded as a master tactician, especially in tournament football, but it remains to be seen whether the England faithful would accept a German coaching the national team.

Attacking style could favour Rodgers

There has been plenty of talk this season that Brendan Rodgers' time at Leicester could be coming to an end, with the Foxes currently in the bottom half of the Premier League. 

He seems to have come through a tricky patch, though, and Leicester head into the Christmas period having won four of their last five Premier League matches.

Rodgers, 49, is known for his attacking style of football but Leicester's defensive issues and set-piece record will concern England fans.

Howe's stock at all-time high

With Newcastle sitting pretty in third in the Premier League and fighting for a place in Europe, Eddie Howe's stock has never been higher. 

He has overseen something of a revolution on Tyneside since taking over in late 2021. The way he has gone about it has impressed onlookers and it is almost certain the FA will have liked what they have seen.

But whether the ex-Bournemouth boss, 45, would leave the Magpies now is uncertain, particularly with the club's owners prepared to back him in the transfer market and the strong possibility of coaching in the Champions League next season.

Too soon for Potter?

The second Englishman on the list would be Chelsea boss Graham Potter, whose impressive work at Brighton gave him the chance to move to one of England's big six clubs.

Potter got the best out of his players at the Amex Stadium, with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Yves Bissouma and Marc Cucurella impressing at the highest level.

Even though things have not exactly gone according to plan with the Blues so far, it seems unlikely the 47-year-old tactician would feel now is the right time to move on.

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