Gareth Southgate’s future as England manager remains uncertain following the team's return from the European Championship on Monday.
Southgate's contract expires this year, and he has not confirmed whether he will continue leading England into the next World Cup in 2026.
Reports suggest the English Football Association is eager to extend his contract.
England's Euro 2024 loss to Spain in the final further extends their quest for a major trophy beyond 60 years since their 1966 World Cup victory.
Following Sunday’s 2-1 defeat in Berlin, Southgate remarked, “There’s what’s right for the team, there’s what’s right for me. Yeah, lots of things to consider.”
Since his appointment in 2016, Southgate has significantly improved England’s performance, reaching consecutive Euro finals and the 2018 World Cup semifinals.
Prior to his tenure, England's best results since 1966 were the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1996 semifinals.
Despite these achievements, Southgate has yet to secure a major trophy, losing the 2021 Euros final to Italy and suffering another defeat in 2024 after Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute winner against Spain.
Southgate had hinted before the tournament that it might be his last if England didn't win. Early in the Euros, criticism mounted due to the team’s uninspiring play, highlighted by fans throwing plastic beer cups after a 0-0 draw with Slovenia.
However, the atmosphere shifted as England progressed with dramatic late goals from Jude Bellingham and Ollie Watkins.
Meanwhile, England Women's manager Sarina Wiegman, who led her team to victory in the 2022 Euros and the Women’s World Cup final last year (where they also lost to Spain), offered no comment on Southgate's future, stating, “That’s absolutely (up) to him.”
Southgate will reflect on his future and discuss with FA officials in the coming days.
