Gareth Southgate ‘sparks optimism he will REMAIN England manager as FA struggle to find homegrown replacement’

THE FA remain optimistic Gareth Southgate will stay on as England manager.

The Three Lions boss has a contract until Euro 2024 but is considering his future after England’s World Cup quarter-final exit.

There was talk the World Cup would be Southgate’s final tournament going in to Qatar and he is now weighing up his future.

But the FA are desperate for him to continue and feel progress was made at the tournament.

And according to The Telegraph, there is optimism within the FA that Southgate will continue in his role for the Euro 2024 qualification campaign, which begins in March.

Some felt Southgate would walk away prior to the tournament but talks with the 52-year-old in Qatar signalled he may want to stay.

The former Middlesbrough boss is said to have been positive about his position in charge and the future of the England team.

The players are believed to want Southgate to remain as boss, with the FA also keen for him to continue in his post and are happy to give him the Christmas break to decide his future.

Not least because there are a lack of suitable English successors, with Eddie Howe and Graham Potter said to be unavailable.

The FA is considering appointing a foreign coach but they understand that could leave them open to criticism.

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Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino and Brendan Rodgers have all been linked with the role.

Former Chelsea boss Tuchel is thought to be keen on the job and came top in a SunSport poll asking who should succeed Southgate if he leaves.