Jurgen Klopp is out of the frame to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager because he has no plans to return to football until next summer, according to reports. The former Liverpool manager is staying true to his desire to take a prolonged break after walking away from Anfield at the end of last season.
Southgate announced his resignation on Tuesday, two days after England's heartbreaking 2-1 Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain in Berlin.
It calls an end to a successful eight-year reign, which saw the Three Lions reach two Euro finals and a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final.
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Speculation has naturally started to swirl about Southgate's successor after FA chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed that the search had already commenced.
"The process for appointing Gareth's successor is now underway and we aim to have our new manager confirmed as soon as possible," Bullingham said.
"Our UEFA Nations League campaign starts in September, and we have an interim solution in place if it is needed."
Klopp has been among the elite coaches strongly linked with the role, but he has reportedly taken himself out of the running.
According to The Telegraph, Klopp's stance on his break is unchanged, so he won't join a new club or a national federation for another 12 months.
If The FA decide he is their priority candidate, England would have to compete in the 2024/25 Nations League and start their World Cup qualification campaign with a caretaker manager.
The 57-year-old's agent, Marc Kosicke, recently suggested that there was little chance of a U-turn on his planned break from football.
"Jurgen Klopp will not coach any club or national team for a year after this current season. That remains unchanged," Kosicke stated earlier in the summer.
And even if England wait, it remains to be seen whether Klopp would be interested in returning to management in the heavily scrutinised role.
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The German icon has already rebuffed an approach from the United States over taking charge for their home World Cup after sacking Gregg Berhalter.
Klopp will likely decide whether his future lies in club or international management near the end of this upcoming season.
The prospect of retirement also isn't out of the question after a nine-year tenure as Liverpool manager.
He reached the pinnacle on Merseyside, lifting the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield.
