England manager Gareth Southgate has said he could retire if he leads the Three Lions to European Championship glory in Germany this summer.
England head into the tournament as one of the favourites after falling short in the final three years ago. Southgate named his provisional squad of 33 players on Tuesday and it is packed with attacking talent.
He is under mounting pressure to deliver a major trophy and many believe whatever the outcome of this summer’s tournament in Germany it could mark a natural ending to his reign as Three Lions chief. His contract is up at the end of the year.
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Southgate has been heavily linked with the prospect of becoming Manchester United’s next manager. He is understood to have admirers within the Ineos Group. United are yet to make a decision on current boss Erik ten Hag’s future.
However, Southgate has all but distanced himself from the prospect of taking over at Old Trafford, admitting he may decide to down tools if this summer goes his and his team’s way.
Asked if it would be his decision or the Football Association’s whether to sign a new contract, Southgate told Sky News: “I imagine both. That’s always as we’ve worked.
“But the reality of that is we focus totally on this tournament. I’ve worked in this building for over 10 years and yes, the ambition has been to win a tournament.
“So, there’s nothing for us to consider until we’ve done that. And if we can do that, maybe I’ll retire and do nothing anyway.”
The England manager, who has guided his team to a final, a semi-final and a quarter-final over his three tournaments in charge, has also admitted that he has not had any contact with United, nor any other club at any point during his time in charge of the national team.
He added: “I’ve never spoken with a club in all my time in the job – I think that would be disrespectful to the position I hold. When you’ve worked so long and so hard for the opportunity to take your country and lead them with a chance to win something, then your focus has got to be 100 per cent on that. And that’s where mine is.”
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