Football
FA chiefs delay Gareth Southgate talks as Man Utd make call on England boss
Gareth Southgate will lead England into a major tournament for the fourth time when Euro 2024 gets underway, but there is speculation he could walk away from the position later this year
FA chiefs will not make any plans for potential Gareth Southgate successors until the Euros is finished.
Southgate’s current deal expires in December and there is a growing feeling that this could be his last tournament as England boss. The Football Association have made no secret of how much they want to keep Southgate and are ready to give him a new contract to persuade him to stay.
But the FA have not made any approaches or back-up plans especially as Southgate has a six-month grace period after the Euros written into his £2.5m-a-year contract.
Southgate has been in charge for eight years and is now under pressure to deliver a trophy after making huge strides with the team and championing St George’s Park.
Winning the Euros and staying on for another crack at the World Cup may be one scenario which persuades Southgate to stay. But Southgate may also want another chance at domestic management and Manchester United were keen but have moved on because the timeline does not align.
There are also no obvious candidates to replace Southgate – other than Graham Potter or Eddie Howe – as the FA’s ideal would be a homegrown coach who champions the St George’s Park set-up.
Speaking last month regarding the speculation, Southgate said: “Well, for me, it’s not an issue and never has been.
“I have to deliver a successful tournament for England and there’s enough work involved in that. I think everybody would expect that’s where my focus should be.”
He added: “There will always be speculation about managers, because if you lose a couple of games, you’re in trouble – you win a couple of games and it is a different agenda.
“But for me, it [Euro 2024] is a brilliant opportunity. We’re looking forward to the tournament. My focus is on how do we go a step further than we went in the last Euros [when they were beaten on penalties in the final by Italy].”
Southgate and his players landed in Germany on Monday, where they will spend the first night in their luxury base hotel. Preparations for their opener against Serbia will now ramp up, with the Three Lions kicking off their tournament in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday night.
Bukayo Saka has emerged as a potential doubt for that clash however, with Southgate managing the Arsenal star’s training programme. It’s better news for Trent Alexander-Arnold though, Mirror Football understands that the Liverpool defender could start in midfield against Serbia.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
From Stadium to Screen: How Technology is Changing Sports Viewing
20/7/2024 Horse Racing Tips and Best Bets – Flemington, Flemington Cup day
Indian tech hub Karnataka state’s move to reserve jobs for locals not finalised, chief minister says
Financial picture dramatically improves for Shamrock Rovers in 48 hours with Sinclair Armstrong deal and European win
Our fashion editor’s favourite affordable bag is 20% off today
Jay Shah’s Big Decision Hovers Over Cricket’s Associate Member Directors Election
Budget shampoo that adds MAJOR volume boost is on sale for Amazon Prime Day: ‘Your hair feels fuller and thicker’
Being active on your commute lowers risk of disease and mental health
Tiger Woods cops brutal Open schedule as full Round 1 tee times revealed
