FA make huge decision in search for next England manager which changes everything

The Football Association have taken a huge decision that could impact who is appointed to replace Gareth Southgate.

The FA are currently searching for a new manager for the England men's team after Southgate resigned the day following defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Southgate's contract was set to run until the end of the year, but his early resignation has given the FA board, headed by chief executive Mark Bullingham, more time to find the right replacement.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is one of the favourites to take the job, as is Graham Potter, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea 16 months ago.

However, the FA have now reportedly made a huge decision that could see a different candidate hired.

According to The Guardian, the FA have given formal approval for a foreign manager to be appointed.

Bullingham gained the backing of his fellow nine FA board members to approach foreign candidates before beginning the recruitment process.

The board reportedly endorsed Bullingham's request without putting it to a vote, although there was some opposition.

The decision suggests that the FA is open to going against tradition by appointing a foreign manager.

Sven-Goran Eiksson and Fabio Capello are the only two non-English managers to have taken charge of the Three Lions.

It's understood that during board discussions, Sarina Wiegman's success in leading England to win the 2022 Women's European Championship was used as an example of the positives of hiring a foreign coach.

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The FA's decision could result in the appointment of one of Mauricio Pochettino or Thomas Tuchel, the two leading foreign candidates.

Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp have also been linked with the job, although the latter has ruled himself out of the running.

Bullingham and the FA's technical director, John McDermott, will assemble a shortlist and conduct interviews before returning to the board for ratification of their intended appointment.

England Under-21s manager Lee Carsley is expected to take temporary charge of England's Nations League tie against the Republic of Ireland on September 7.