Gareth Southgate says now is not a good time to make a decision on his England future, as he declares himself proud of his players after losing a second consecutive Euros final

Gareth Southgate has indicated he will take time to think before deciding whether he wants to remain England manager.

The 53-year-old led the Three Lions to a runners-up finish at Euro 2024, three years after his team also finished second at the delayed Euro 2020.

England’s last attempt to win their first major men’s trophy since 1966 ended in a 2-1 defeat to Spain in Berlin on Sunday night.

Less than an hour after the match ended, Southgate was asked about his future.

He replied, “I don’t think this is a good time to make a decision. I have to talk to the right people. It’s not for now.”

Southgate’s England team were defeated 2-1 by Spain in the final of UEFA Euro 2024 in Berlin

Southgate – who has been in charge since September 2016 – has a contract with the Football Association until December, but senior FA officials are reportedly keen for him to extend that deal.

Under Southgate, England have now reached two successive European Championship finals, reaching both the semi-finals and quarter-finals in their two World Cup campaigns.

After losing 2-1 to Spain on Sunday evening, Southgate said he was proud of his players and also praised their opponents.

“I think they were the best team in the tournament,” he said. “We didn’t keep the ball well enough but we were there until the end. I’m devastated for everyone, the players have been incredible, I’m so proud.

‘We had a bit of momentum and a big chance to equalize at the end, but I’m not sure we did enough of that.

‘Against Spain you have to keep the ball when you win it back. Defensively we were fine in the first half, but that costs you your legs.

‘There is no hiding that we have had many problems. We have managed to solve most of them, but we have fallen short.

‘The players deserve a lot of credit for bringing us so close.

‘I’m proud of the way they fought, how they represented the shirt with pride and how they had never been beaten until five minutes into the last game.’

Southgate is pictured standing on the pitch with ITV Sport shortly after the end of the match on Sunday evening

Southgate is pictured handing over his runners-up medal after Sunday’s disappointing defeat

He later added: ‘England are in a very good position in terms of the experience they have now and the age of the squad.

“This team is there for the next World Cup. There is a lot to look forward to, but that is no consolation.”