Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has reportedly emerged as a shock contender to replace Gareth Southgate as England boss. The 58-year-old has only been in charge of the north London club for one season after moving from Celtic, but is 'expected to be on a shortlist' of Football Association (FA) targets.

Southgate, 53, confirmed on Tuesday he was stepping down from his role with the Three Lions following the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

The likes of under 21 coach Lee Carsley, Graham Potter, and Eddie Howe were immediately installed as favourites to succeed him, with Mauricio Pochettino also perceived to be in the mix.

But according to the Telegraph, the Australian has long been tracked by the FA. And technical director John McDermott is said to be a admirer of his work, both abroad and since coming to England.

McDermott has the task of compiling the shortlist of managers to be interviewed for the job. England's next competitive game comes on September 7 in an away Nations League clash against the Republic of Ireland, before a home fixture with Finland three days later.

The FA are also said to be open to making an interim appointment rather than rush any decision over a long-term successor. Indeed, Southgate's own tenure initially begun as him acting as caretaker manager after the sudden departure of Sam Allardyce in 2016.

Postecoglou, 58, still has three years left on his deal at Tottenham. It would leave the FA facing the potential of a substantial payout in compensation if he were to takeover.

The ex-Australia boss won ample plaudits at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, as Spurs led the Premier League table in the early stages of the season. However, their form tailed off, eventually finishing fifth after missing out on the final Champions League spot to Aston Villa.

And following a 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City during the final week of the season, a fifth loss in six games, question marks were raised over his future at the club. However, Postecoglou came out fighting, insisting he was committed to turning things around next season.

"Am I up for the fight?" he said to reporters. "Absolutely, I love it. This is why I’ve come here and this ain’t the last fight I’m going to have, for sure. I’ll be honest with you, the biggest fight I’ll have at this football club is when we get close to success. That will be the biggest one.”

Postecoglou's previous experience in international football saw him lead the Socceroos from 2013 to 2017. During that period, he took them to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and was in charge for the country's first ever Asian Cup win the following year.