England manager Gareth Southgate has resigned just two days after his team's 2-1 defeat to Spain in the 2024 European Championship final in Berlin.

This loss marked England's second consecutive defeat in the Euros final, following their previous defeat on penalties against Italy at Wembley three years ago.

Southgate, 53, led England in 102 matches over eight years of management. His contract was due to expire later this year.

Reflecting on his tenure, Southgate stated, "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."

Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed that the process to appoint Southgate's successor has commenced.

He emphasized, "We aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible," adding that the FA has contingency plans in place with an interim solution if necessary.

The FA will refrain from further comments on the selection process until the new manager is appointed.

England's upcoming fixture against the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on September 7 looms large, with  FA sources indicating a willingness to consider non-English managers for the role.

Among the early contenders speculated to replace Southgate are Lee Carsley, currently the Under-21 boss, as a potential interim manager.

Other prominent names in the mix include Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino, who has managed Chelsea and Tottenham in the past.

Additionally, speculation surrounds the availability of former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, who recently departed Bayern Munich at the end of last season.