Gareth Southgate’s future as England manager will become a major talking point should the country’s Euro 2024 dreams end tonight.
The Three Lions boss will oversee his third semi-final at a major tournament against the Netherlands despite criticism of his side’s performances in Germany.
After reaching the semi-finals and quarter-finals at the World Cup as well as another last-four spot at the Euros – four years on from their runners-up effort, Southgate’s record is impressive.
However, there is one thing missing from his reign – silverware.
Defeat to the Dutch would mean another failed attempt to win an international trophy but victory puts them one game from glory.
This week could spell the end of the 53-year-old’s time as England manager regardless of his team’s fate come Sunday night…
Is Southgate leaving England after Euro 2024?
Southgate has conceded that he is likely to leave his post as the country’s manager should his squad fail to win Euro 2024.
His current contract expires in December 2024, and he declined the FA’s offer to sign an extension ahead of the tournament amid fears it could cause a distraction to his players.
“If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here any more,” Southgate told the German newspaper Bild ahead of the tournament.
“So maybe it is the last chance. I think around half the national coaches leave after a tournament — that’s the nature of international football.
“I’ve been here almost eight years now and we’ve come close. You can’t constantly put yourself in front of the public and say, ‘A little more please’, as at some point people lose faith.
“If we want to be a great team and I want to be a top coach, you must deliver in big moments.”
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Southgate later conceded that even tournament success could signal the end for him to serve the perfect goodbye.
On winning Euro 2024, he told Sky News: “If we can do that, maybe I’ll retire and do nothing anyway.”
However, that looked worlds away from happening after England’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia.
Southgate was subject to boos and plastic cups thrown at him and in the aftermath, he suggested to the media he had lost the fans.
He said: “Our world is different at the moment and I feel that is probably because of me.
“I’m not going to change that so it’s pointless me spending energy (on it).
“But I’m not going to back away from it. I understand the feeling towards me, but I want the fans to back the players.”
So it seems Southgate’s future as England manager will come down to whether the Three Lions win their next two games to claim Euros glory.
If they do, he could still be in charge for the 2026 World Cup, but if they miss out again, there is likely to be a change.
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News Summary:
- Is Gareth Southgate leaving England after Euro 2024? Three Lions boss admits tournament glory could mean retirement
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