The upcoming European Championship this summer might mark Gareth Southgate’s final tournament as manager of the England national team.
Southgate has been under intense scrutiny due to the team’s underwhelming performances thus far in the competition. England has only managed to secure one victory at Euro 2024, beating Serbia, while their matches against Denmark and Slovenia ended in draws.
The lackluster performances have sparked criticism from fans and former players alike, who are disappointed with the team’s showing.
Despite the mixed results, the Football Association (FA) has reportedly already started planning for the possibility of Southgate’s departure. According to talkSPORT, Lee Carsley is being considered as a potential successor.
Carsley, who has previously led the England under-21 team to a European Championship victory last summer and declined the opportunity to manage the Republic of Ireland, is held in high regard. At 50 years old, Carsley has turned down several managerial offers and is well-respected across Europe.
Southgate himself has hinted that he might step down after Euro 2024, prompting the FA to prepare a contingency plan. The FA’s preference for hiring homegrown talent brings other names into the mix as well, including Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe and former Chelsea manager Graham Potter.
Although the FA ideally wants Southgate to guide the team to the 2026 World Cup, the current trajectory suggests this is becoming increasingly unlikely.
The mounting pressure on Southgate is palpable, with each passing week adding to the scrutiny of his tenure. The outcome of Euro 2024 will be a critical factor in determining his future with the national team.
Critics argue that England needs a manager who can instill a more attacking style of play. The current squad is brimming with world-class talent, but many feel these players have yet to reach their full potential under Southgate’s management.
A new manager with a fresh, offensive approach could potentially unlock this latent potential, allowing the team to perform at their best.
Southgate’s tenure has seen significant highs, including a World Cup semi-final in 2018 and a runner-up finish at Euro 2020. However, the recent struggles in Euro 2024 have overshadowed these achievements.
The call for a managerial change is growing louder, with many believing that a new direction is necessary to harness the talent within the squad effectively.
