Gareth Southgate is expected to be offered the chance to remain as England manager even if his team loses the Euro 2024 final on Sunday, according to multiple reports.
Southgate’s current contract is set to expire in December, and there had been growing pressure for him to step down following England’s European Championship campaign earlier this summer.
However, Southgate has made history by becoming the first manager to lead England’s men to two major finals. His team’s remarkable performance in the knockout stages of the tournament has taken them to the final in Berlin.
This success has reportedly convinced the Football Association (FA) that Southgate is still the best person to lead the national team, and they are keen for him to stay on and guide England into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Despite the FA’s confidence in Southgate, there is a possibility that he may choose to step down on his own terms after the final.
Earlier, he had been linked with the managerial position at Manchester United before the club decided to retain Erik ten Hag. Should Southgate decide to leave, potential candidates for the England job include Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Eddie Howe, and Graham Potter.
Throughout Euro 2024, Southgate has attempted to shift the focus away from his future. He has expressed a desire to be appreciated by England fans, particularly after being targeted with beer cups by supporters earlier in the tournament.
Reflecting on this, Southgate stated, “We all want to be loved, right? So when you’re doing something for your country and you’re a proud Englishman, when you don’t feel that back and when all you read is criticism, it’s hard.”
Following England’s 2-1 victory against the Netherlands, Southgate emphasized the importance of reaching another final, describing it as “very, very special.” He praised the dedication of England’s traveling supporters, acknowledging the significant financial and emotional investment they make to support the team. “The amount of money they spend to travel, the commitment to do that, to be able to give them nights like this. I think we’ve given them a few over the last six years, from Russia onwards. It means a lot,” Southgate added.
England is set to face Spain in the Euro 2024 final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion. The Spanish national team, along with their club sides, boasts an unbeaten record in their last 26 continental or intercontinental finals. In contrast, the Three Lions have never won the European Championships, adding an extra layer of challenge to their upcoming match.
As England prepares for the final, the future of Gareth Southgate remains a significant topic of discussion. While the FA appears ready to extend his tenure regardless of the final’s outcome, the ultimate decision may rest with Southgate himself.
His potential continuation as England manager or departure will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the team’s trajectory heading into the 2026 World Cup and beyond.
