Uncertainty Surrounds Gareth Southgate’s Future as England Manager Post Euro 2024
Gareth Southgate's tenure as England manager remains uncertain following the team's return from the European Championship on Monday.
Southgate, whose contract expires this year, has not confirmed whether he will lead England into the 2026 World Cup.
Reports suggest the English Football Association is eager to secure him with a new contract.
England's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final extends their quest for a major trophy beyond 60 years since their 1966 World Cup triumph.
Reflecting on the loss, Southgate remarked, "There's what's right for the team, there's what's right for me. Yeah, lots of things to consider."
Since his appointment in 2016, Southgate has significantly improved England's performance, guiding them to consecutive Euro finals and the 2018 World Cup semifinals. Prior to his tenure, England's best results since 1966 were semifinal finishes in the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1996.
Despite transformative achievements, Southgate has been unable to secure silverware, with England losing the 2021 Euros final to Italy and suffering defeat to Spain in Euro 2024's final moments with Mikel Oyarzabal's 86th-minute winner.
Southgate had hinted that this tournament might be his last if England did not clinch victory, enduring early criticism for the team's conservative play, notably after a goalless draw with Slovenia.
However, sentiments changed as England progressed, fueled by dramatic late goals from Jude Bellingham and Ollie Watkins.
In contrast, England Women's manager Sarina Wiegman, who led her team to victory in the 2022 Euros and to the Women's World Cup final in the subsequent year (where they also lost to Spain), emphasized that Southgate's future is entirely his decision.
"He has a very good relationship with him," she stated. "That is something for him to reflect on and have the conversation with the people at the FA."
The uncertainty surrounding Southgate's future as England manager continues to intrigue football fans and pundits alike, awaiting a decision that could shape the team's trajectory in the upcoming World Cup cycle.
