FA chief executive Mark Bullingham says England have a succession plan in place if Gareth Southgate leaves after Euro 2024.
The head of the governing body for football in England also said that the manager of the Three Lions wants to wait until the end of the competition to discuss his future.
Southgate’s contract expires in December and this summer’s European Championship will be his fourth major tournament in charge.
The 53-year-old has been linked with Manchester United and recently suggested this summer’s tour could be his last – although Bullingham say no plans have been made yet.
“We’re sitting down after the tournament together and we’ll talk about everything,” said Bullingham, when asked if he wanted Southgate to continue in his role.
“Gareth has made it clear that he wants to talk about that after the tournament.
“I don’t want to give a distraction to him and the team. I want to respect you [that].”
NEW | An FA chief says there are “no options” for England manager Gareth Southgate, but he has a “succession plan” if the manager leaves after the Euros. pic.twitter.com/Qqq0fXzJCO
— Dan Roan (@danroan) June 12, 2024
A succession plan exists
Bullingham also dismissed suggestions the FA boss has no plan if Southgate leaves.
He said: “I’ve seen some things about, ‘We have a plan, don’t we?’ Any organization has a succession plan in place for its top employees, and we are no exception.
“The succession plan usually covers everything from what you do on temporary cover, to the next plan, [drawing up] candidate pool. We have that in all our senior staff. “
‘I think the world of Gareth’
Although he has not been immune to criticism, Southgate has been influential in turning around England’s fortunes since taking over in 2016.
And Bullingham suggested he would like to keep the 53-year-old in place last December if he can.
“I’d say I think the world of Gareth, I think he’s done a fantastic job,” added Bullingham.
“I think he changed the fortunes of our team, and that’s not only off the field, and you can see it in his life, but also playing well on the field.
“Since 1966, he’s won about half of our outings, which is the average we actually use, so we appreciate him a lot.”
