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England boss, Gareth Southgate, has hinted that Euro 2024 could be his final major tournament in charge of the Three Lions if they fail to lift the trophy. The 53-year-old, who has been at the helm of the national side since 2016, led England to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020. However, his inability to win a major trophy still rankles given the depth of quality at his disposal.
In an interview prior to the kick-off of Euro 2024, Southgate spoke with leading German newspaper, Bild, admitting he “probably won’t” remain in charge if England fail to win the Euros. He said he was conscious of the media and England fans “losing faith in [his] message” if the team falls short and has to rebuild and go again for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Southgate’s current contract with England expires in December, so talks regarding his future will need to happen after the tournament one way or another. According to ESPN sources, the Football Association (FA) believe he’s the right man for the role, regardless of whether England become European champions or not. However, the manner of the Three Lions’ performance this summer could influence their opinion later in the summer. A valiant exit late in the tournament could strengthen their view, but an inexplicable group stage exit would surely hasten Southgate’s departure.
In the months leading up to this summer’s finals, England have been prominent in the latest bet365 Euro betting odds, alongside the likes of France and hosts, Germany. However, there’s plenty more nations who could be perceived as dark horses to run deep into the knockout stages, including Portugal, Italy and Belgium.
England players still keen for Southgate to remain captain of the ship
Newcastle United wide man, Anthony Gordon, was quizzed on Southgate’s future after one of the squad’s first training sessions at their Jena base. The former Everton star insisted Southgate had the full backing of the squad, adding that the boss didn’t “get the credit he deserves”.
The squad cut a relaxed and confident appearance during their first open training session in Jena. Senior players were seen laughing and joking with Southgate, who was clearly keen to maintain team spirit and camaraderie in the days leading up to their opening group game with Serbia.
Southgate is no longer an option for Manchester United
During the latter stages of the 2023/24 season, Southgate was being linked heavily with the Manchester United job. His links to the Red Devils’ new minority shareholders saw him tipped to replace Erik ten Hag this summer. However, following an internal review, the Old Trafford hierarchy have decided to put their faith in the Dutchman and have entered negotiations over a contract extension for the former Ajax supremo to remain on the club staff.
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With the United job no longer an option for Southgate, it begs the question where else he could turn if he decides enough is enough in the England hotseat. Eight years and four major tournaments takes up some serious mental resolve, particularly given the intense media scrutiny of every decision and outcome.
Who replaces Southgate in the event of his exit remains up for debate. Some in the industry believe former Brighton and Chelsea boss, Graham Potter, is holding out for the England post. Potter has rejected several offers to manage in the Premier League and other major domestic leagues throughout Europe. Meanwhile Eddie Howe is another head coach that’s long been tipped to manage his country following his meteoric rise with AFC Bournemouth and, more recently, Newcastle United.
Should the FA consider a foreign appointment again, both Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola may be in the running, with Pochettino currently out of work and Guardiola set to leave Manchester City next summer. Meanwhile Jurgen Klopp may also be tempted having left Liverpool due to the intensity of club management. It’s fair to say that international management would be less rigorous on the German day-to-day and he understands what English football fans crave from their national team.
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