Eddie Howe and Graham Potter top of FA shortlist to replace Gareth Southgate

Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are understood to top the Football Association's shortlist of successors after Gareth Southgate stepped down.

The 53-year-old nearly walked away after the winter World Cup 18 months ago but decided to stay on for Euro 2024 and his side lost Sunday’s final to Spain 2-1 in Berlin.

Southgate’s contract was due to expire in December but he confirmed his decision on Tuesday morning with an emotional statement to supporters.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is a leading contender to succeed Southgate.

The departure of co-owner Amanda Staveley, a key ally of the manager, from St. James' Park last week could boost the FA's chances of hiring the 46-year-old

Potter, who is out of work after being sacked by Chelsea, is thought to be keen on the job, while England Under-21 coach Lee Carsley, who led the youngsters to the European Championship last summer, would be interviewed.

Foreign contenders are likely to include Thomas Tuchel, who is a free agent after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season, and another former Chelsea boss, Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine is interested in the job and known to the FA's technical director, John McDermott, who was Tottenham's academy chief when Pochettino was in charge in north London.

McDermott and Mark Bullingham, the FA chief executive, will have final say on the new boss.