Gareth Southgate set to decide England future after World Cup exit
England head coach Gareth Southgate is set to make a decision on his future with The Three Lions after exiting the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar in the quarterindla.
Southgate’s men lost 2-1 to the defending champions France in the last eight of the global showpiece on Saturday night.
The England coach stated that he will have to “review and reflect” on England’s exit from the prestigious tournament with the Football Association before making a final decision on his future.
The 52-year-old mentor has been at the helm since 2016 when he was promoted from his position as England Under 21 coach.
His contract with the England national team is expected to come to an end in 2024.
SOUTHGATE SPEAKS…
“These tournaments take a lot out of you and I need time to reflect,” said Southgate in a post-match interview.
“We’ve done that after every tournament and that’s the right thing to do.”
Since taking over as England coach, Southgate has managed to guide the side to the 2018 World Cup semifinals, not forgetting the Euro 2020 final.
“I’m so proud of what the players have done, not just tonight but through the whole tournament,” he added.
“I think the team has taken a real step forward in all areas. Everybody can see the team has progressed through this tournament.”
Southgate continued: “I think the performances have been a very good level, [including] against one of the very best teams in the world in France.
“We showed how close we are to that level, that we have some young players who announced themselves on a global stage and a spirit which we hoped would take us further.”
GARY NEVILLE WANTS SOUTHGATE TO STAY…
Meanwhile, ex-Manchester United and England legend Gary Neville said that he would like to see Southgate continue with his duties as England boss.
“I would love Gareth to stay on for another two years, whether as the coach or in a role in the FA designing the future,” Neville told ITV.
“In the last 10 years, we have won youth tournaments, won the women’s Euros last summer and reached the men’s Euros final.
“England are in a pretty good place, let’s be clear about that. We’ve gone out of tournaments in disgrace and wondered what the hell the future is.
“We have a great future and he [Southgate] is a big part of that.”
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