Gareth Southgate will lead England into their second major tournament final in three years when they face Spain on Sunday, with FA chiefs wanting to extend the manager’s current deal
FA chiefs want Gareth Southgate to stay as England manager – regardless of the outcome of the Euros final.
Southgate’s current deal expires in December and there has been a growing feeling that this would be his last tournament as England boss. But England’s incredible run to Sunday’s final with Spain in Berlin has seen the whole mood of the nation shift again.
Southgate, 53, has led England’s men into their first major tournament final on foreign soil and has done a remarkable job in the past eight years. England boss Southgate has also enjoyed a remarkable turnaround with the fans who were chucking beer cups at him after the goalless draw with Slovenia.
But then Southgate was dancing with the England fans after the Switzerland penalty shoot-out win and was enjoying a hero’s reception after they beat Holland in the semi final.
There has never been any shift in the Football Association’s stance towards Southgate who has kept his cards close to his chest and said he will not discuss his future until after the tournament.
But there is no obvious replacement for Southgate with Eddie Howe at Newcastle and Graham Potter linked. but no approaches have been made.
England want Southgate to stay because of his track record but also his willingness to buy into their vision and St George’s Park.
They have held off on making other plans in the hope Southgate would stay even though FA bosses have stressed they have made contingency plans.
Southgate does fancy another club job but the Manchester United post did not become available even though he was on their wanted list.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham also made it clear at the start of the tournament they want him to stay. Bullingham said: ”I would say I think the world of Gareth, I think he has done a phenomenal job.
“I think he has transformed the fortunes of our team, and that’s not just off the pitch, and you can see the culture, but also the performances on the pitch. Since 1966, he has won about half of our knockout games, which is a measure we really use, so we value him massively.”
England now hope Southgate may yet stay until the next World Cup and that would recognise his remarkable run at this Euros.
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