Gareth Southgate’s future as England’s manager is uncertain following their loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Southgate’s contract is set to expire this year, and there is no confirmation if he will continue leading the team into the 2026 World Cup. The English Football Association is eager to secure him with a new contract, but Southgate has expressed that there are many factors to consider before making a decision.
Since taking on the role in 2016, Southgate has significantly improved England’s performance, leading them to back-to-back Euro finals and the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup. Despite this success, England has yet to win a major trophy since their 1966 World Cup victory. Southgate had previously stated that the Euro 2024 tournament would likely be his last if England did not emerge as champions. The team faced criticism for their lackluster play early in the competition, but dramatic late goals from players like Jude Bellingham and Ollie Watkins helped shift the atmosphere and propel England forward.
The Women’s team manager, Sarina Wiegman, who led her team to victory in the 2022 Euros and the Women’s World Cup final last year, has expressed that Southgate’s future is entirely up to him. She emphasized that it is a decision for him to reflect on and discuss with the FA, indicating that she has a good relationship with Southgate but respects his autonomy in making this choice.
As England continues to strive for a major trophy after decades of waiting, the uncertainty surrounding Southgate’s future adds to the team’s challenges. Fans are eager to see if he will continue to lead the team and potentially guide them to future success in upcoming tournaments. The pressure is on for Southgate to make a decision that is not only best for the team but also for himself as he considers the next steps in his managerial career.