The English FA are considering a promotion for Lee Carsley - from manager of the Under-21s to the senior side - if Gareth Southgate leaves at the end of Euro 2024.

According to reports across the Irish Sea, contingency plans have already been drawn up to address a situation where there is a vacancy in the top job.

At least three names are believed to be on the list - Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe, former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter and former Ireland midfielder Carsley.

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Carsley had been linked with the senior Ireland post and was at the top of the FAI’s wishlist, but a meeting late last year failed to secure the highly-rated Birmingham-born coach.

He opted to remain with the England Under-21s, where he was viewed by many as a potential successor to Southgate in the wake of last year’s European Under-21 Championships win.

Now it appears that the FA are giving serious thought to handing the 40-time capped ex-Ireland man the role.

However, English authorities have yet to speak to any potential successors and Southgate remains the man that they want to lead qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Southgate’s future has come under the spotlight during Euro 2024, despite England topping their group and making it to the last-16.

Criticism of their performances have come from all quarters, while some fans threw empty beer cups at the manager after Tuesday’s scoreless draw with Slovenia.

Carsley, meanwhile, broke his silence in March about the Ireland job, saying: “We had an initial conversation (with the FAI) in November. I went to speak to them. Really informal, enjoyable, for around an hour. It went no further.

“It was good to see what their thoughts were and to explore whether I was ready to take that next step. It just went no further. I didn’t push it.

“I’ve always said that I’m really privileged to do this job I’m in. I appreciate that I’m in a really good position with a lot of responsibility.”

He added: ‘At some point, maybe it (taking a senior job) is something I’ll do.”

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