The FA will appoint an interim boss to take charge of England if they haven’t found Gareth Southgate’s replacement in the next six weeks.

Southgate announced on Tuesday morning that he had decided to step down as England manager following the defeat by Spain in the final of Euro 2024. He had been in charge since September 2016, taking charge of 102 matches and guiding England to two European Championship finals, as well as the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

The 53-year-old said “it’s time for change, and for a new chapter” for England after they were left heartbroken by Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute winner in Berlin. Southgate and his coaching staff, led by assistant Steve Holland, have left with immediate effect, leaving the FA to find his successor.

Southgate’s contract had been due to expire in December anyway so a succession plan should already be in place. England’s next match comes against Ireland in the Nations League on September 7 – and the FA hopes to find a replacement before then.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “The process for appointing Gareth’s successor is now under way and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible. Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed. We know there will be inevitable speculation, but we won’t be commenting further on our process until we appoint.”

He added: “Gareth has made the impossible job possible and laid strong foundations for future success. He is held in the highest regard by the players, the backroom team, by everyone at the FA and across the world of football. We are very proud of everything Gareth and Steve achieved for England, and will be forever grateful to them.”

Former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter is among the favourites at this early stage, while Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp have both been suggested because they are also currently without a job.

The FA will now begin the search for Gareth Southgate’s replacement ( 
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Southgate confirmed the news in an emotional statement, which read: “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.”

He added: “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.”

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