Jamie Carragher writes off three contenders to replace Gareth Southgate with brutal statement

Jamie Carragher has written off three contenders to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager.

On Sunday the Three Lions fell to a 2-1 defeat in the European Championship final, after Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal netted a late winner.

It meant the Three Lions have become the first team in history to lose two successive Euro finals, while their wait for a major trophy heads into its 60th year.

There has since been much talk regarding whether Southgate will stay on as England manager.

On the matter, Carragher has insisted that the 53-year-old remain at the England helm, stressing that there are no viable alternatives.

Graham Potter has been linked with the job, while Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel have also been touted in the past. However, Carragher ruled out all the above.

The former Liverpool and England centre-back told the Telegraph: “Those who believe the Southgate era has run its course cannot be sure there is anyone better who would want to replace him, or prove better suited for the job.

“I’ve seen Graham Potter’s name mentioned, but he struggled under pressure at Chelsea. Others believe England should look to an overseas coach again. No. We tried that before and it did not bring success.

“For sure, there will have to be changes. England went into the Euro 2024 qualification process as a Harry Kane team. They end it as a side built around Bellingham and Foden.

Southgate has been coy regarding his England future (Getty)

“Southgate had begun the transition of the squad before Germany, blooding younger players and deciding that he was going to stick with Bellingham and Foden in the starting line-up regardless of the balance issues in the earlier games.

“That is because Bellingham and Foden represent England’s future. They will be even better, more mature players by 2026. Why should Southgate stand aside and allow someone else to benefit from their brilliance given he has put in so many hard yards building the trust and confidence of the squad?

“That’s the crux of the issue where I am concerned. The most important players like Southgate. They enjoy playing for him. Why risk destabilising that?”