Gareth Southgate will be asked to STAY on as England manager into his third World Cup by FA regardless of the Euro 2024 final result… but 53-year-old is keeping his thoughts secret
The English Football Association wants to tempt Gareth Southgate to coach England at the World Cup, regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s decisive final.
Southgate will lead the country to the climax of Euro 2024 in Berlin, but his future is uncertain.
His current contract expires in December, but any decision to leave will be made well in advance, with England’s next matches scheduled for September.
There is a growing feeling that Southgate could leave his position after the European Championship, due to fan dissatisfaction with his leadership.
But England’s euphoric run to the European Championship final in Berlin this weekend, where they face Spain, has seen the FA confirm that Southgate is still the best person for the job.
Gareth Southgate will be asked to stay on as England manager until the World Cup, regardless of the outcome of Euro 2024
The 53-year-old has now led the Three Lions to two successive European Championship finals
The FA remains adamant that Southgate is still the best person to take England forward
The English Football Association will let Southgate know they want him to stay for at least another two years. They will take him to the 2026 tournament in the United States once the current tournament is over, even if they lose on Sunday.
Southgate’s renewed contact with a disgruntled fanbase who pelted him with plastic beer cups during the group stage could ease the path to a new contract for the England manager.
The 53-year-old footballer kept his thoughts about his future after Euro 2024 secret, which has caused additional uncertainty in recent months.
Whether he wins or loses on Sunday, Southgate may already have decided he wants to return to club management.
He was a contender to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, but the Dutchman has signed a new contract at Old Trafford.
Should Southgate leave his post, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe, Mauricio Pochettino and Graham Potter are among the contenders to replace him.
Southgate admits his team must produce a ‘perfect’ performance to beat Spain in the European Championship final.
The Spanish are widely regarded as the most complete team in Germany, while England’s early performances at the tournament have been heavily criticised.
A renewed connection with a disgruntled fan base that threw plastic beer cups at him would ease the path to a new contract
However, Southgate is still keeping his cards secret when it comes to what he wants to achieve
And Southgate said: ‘They would rightly be favourites for what they have done in this tournament. They have been the best team.
“They have an extra day and in the last three finals, maybe more, it was quite significant, so we have to get our recovery spot in order. Tactically we have to be perfect because they are such a good team.”
It is hoped Kieran Trippier, who was substituted at half-time of the semi-final victory against the Netherlands with a suspected groin injury, will be fit enough to train ahead of Sunday’s final.