Gary Neville has urged the FA to offer Gareth Southgate a new six-year contract to stay on as England manager.
Southgate’s role as Three Lions boss has come under criticism throughout Euro 2024, with many suggesting the 53-year-old will step away from his role no matter how England performed in the tournament.
But, in delivering a second final in as many European Championship tournaments, doubt has been raised over whether that will happen, with it revealed on Thursday that the governing body are keen for him to stay on until the 2026 World Cup.
Southgate himself, however, has been keeping his cards close to his chest, with it unclear what his own decision will be once Sunday’s final is over.
Speaking on Stick to Football: The Overlap Special, brought to you by Sky Bet, meanwhile, Neville made his feelings on the manager known, urging him to stay on for 2026 and beyond.
‘That [criticism] would have hurt Gareth because what he’ll want is respect from the fans, who would be very important to him I’d imagine,’ Neville said. ‘Didier Deschamps been there what feels like 10/12 years, Joachim Low was there for donkey’s years.
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‘There’s no reason for us to want to change this manager. Why don’t we give him a six-year deal and say, “Look, he’s our manager for the next 10 years, he’s young, the players like him, he’s got a young squad”?
‘He was teetering on the brink only 10 days ago, even after all he’s done. I’m wondering whether he thinks, “Do I want to put myself through what I know is coming at some point?”‘
The future of Southgate, who has been in charge of England’s men’s senior team for eight years, is expected to be sorted out relatively soon after the tournament, which England are bidding to win for the first time.
They have reached the final unbeaten, winning their group with one win and two draws, before edging past Slovenia, beating Switzerland on penalties and then netting a last-minute winners versus the Netherlands.
Southgate’s current deal runs until December, but, if he were to step away, it would likely be before the first international break of next season in September.
‘He won’t be afforded that luxury because England will probably be starting again in another six to eight weeks after the tournament,’ Neville added. ‘The new manager will probably have to get their feet under the table, they’d have to pick the squad.
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‘What happened before Euro ’96 was because it was political, but Terry Venables was effectively sacked, and Glenn Hoddle was appointed so he could come in after the tournament. It just didn’t work because Terry did so well, a lot better than everyone expected. The players loved him, so it was like, “Right, what have we done?” Now, Gareth will have to make a quick decision.’
‘My feeling is that Southgate looks fresher now than a week ago, he looked a little bit pounded, like he was getting tired of it all. I wonder whether whatever happens on Sunday, he’s going to go out.’
The Three Lions will go into the final in Berlin on Sunday as underdogs, but faith has picked up as the tournament has gone on, with fans once throwing plastic cups at Southgate and now singing his name.
The manager showed his passion at full time of the Netherlands win on Wednesday night, rawing in celebration in front of the England supporters.
Roy Keane, meanwhile, also speaking on Stick to Football: The Overlap Special brought to you by Sky Bet, praised his friend for dealing with the criticism that has been fired his way throughout the tournament.
‘If he does win – just to step back and say, “I’ve ran my race now in this” – my goodness Gareth,’ he said. ‘We’ve all worked with him, we know him, what he’s done since he’s got the job and, particularly the last few weeks, his personality has really helped.
‘He’s been calm, cool, and that’s actually why some people have been critical of him. He’s a bit subdue, but that’s what’s worked for him.’
To watch the fourth episode of Stick to Football: The Overlap Special, fans can tune in to ITV1 & ITV X on Friday 12th July at 11:05pm or watch it on The Overlap YouTube channel.