Gareth Southgate, the current manager of the England national football team, has not ruled out the possibility of staying in his role until the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after the UEFA Nations League draw in Paris, Southgate stated that he would evaluate his future after this summer’s European Championship. With his contract set to expire in December of this year, the 53-year-old coach acknowledged that the nature of international football often sees coaching changes after major tournaments.
Southgate emphasized that his primary focus at the moment is the European Championship and not his own long-term decision-making. He expressed confidence in the team’s potential and set his own benchmark for success for the summer tournament. However, he made it clear that any decision regarding his continuation as England manager would only be made after the Euros.
Southgate has enjoyed considerable success during his tenure as England’s manager. He is hailed as the most successful manager 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 semifinals of the 2018 World Cup. Despite facing criticism after England’s defeat to France in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup, Southgate ultimately decided to stay on as manager through Euro 2024.
England’s upcoming summer fixtures include the Euro 2020 tournament, where they have been drawn in Group C alongside Slovenia, Denmark, and Serbia. The team will aim to deliver a strong performance and make the best decisions for all involved. Southgate expressed that the outcome of the Euros would play a significant role in shaping his decision regarding his future as England manager.
In addition to the European Championship, England will also compete in the UEFA Nations League. The draw for the tournament placed England in a group with the Republic of Ireland, Finland, and Greece. This marks England’s first appearance in League B, following their relegation from the top tier in the previous edition of the competition.
Gareth Southgate has not ruled out the possibility of remaining as England manager beyond the 2026 World Cup. While his contract expires later this year, Southgate’s primary focus is on the upcoming European Championship. With impressive achievements in previous tournaments, Southgate’s decision will depend on the team’s performance and his own benchmark for success. As England prepares for both Euro 2020 and the UEFA Nations League, the future of the team and its manager remains an intriguing topic to watch.
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