Gareth Southgate, the current England manager, has expressed that he is not ruling out the possibility of remaining in his role until the 2026 World Cup. Southgate, who has been at the helm since 2016, emphasized that he would evaluate his future after the upcoming European Championship. While his contract with the English Football Association expires in December of this year, Southgate’s comments suggest that he may be considering staying on for a longer term.
Speaking after the draw for the UEFA Nations League, Southgate acknowledged the transient nature of international football, mentioning that approximately half of the coaches may not be in their positions following the Euros. He emphasized that his focus is on the summer tournament and that he has a clear understanding of what the team is capable of achieving. Southgate’s desire for success goes beyond this single tournament, as he stated that he has set his own benchmark for success. However, he emphasized that he would not make any decisions about his future until after the European Championship.
Gareth Southgate has solidified his position as one of England’s most successful managers since Sir Alf Ramsey, who led the team to victory in the 1966 World Cup. Under Southgate’s guidance, England reached the final of Euro 2020 and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. Despite facing disappointment in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup, Southgate considered stepping down but ultimately decided to continue as manager until Euro 2024.
England has been drawn into Group C for the European Championship, where they will face Slovenia, Denmark, and Serbia. This presents a challenging set of opponents for the national team. Additionally, the recent Nations League draw placed England in a group with the Republic of Ireland, Finland, and Greece. As England’s first appearance in League B following their relegation from the top tier, the team will be aiming to prove themselves and secure successful results.
As Gareth Southgate keeps an open mind about his future as England manager, the focus remains on the European Championship and achieving success in the tournament. Reflecting on his past achievements and considering his own standards of success, Southgate is determined to make the best decisions for the team. With challenging opponents in both the Euros and the Nations League, the upcoming matches will test Southgate’s managerial skills and his ability to guide the team to victory. The 2026 World Cup may still be some years away, but Southgate’s dedication and desire to lead England to success suggest that his tenure as manager could extend beyond Euro 2024. Only time will tell what the future holds for Southgate and the England national team.
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