The Football Association (FA) is eager for Gareth Southgate to continue as England’s manager beyond the upcoming European Championships, signaling a potential extension of his tenure until the 2026 World Cup. Initially expected to step down after the 2024 finals in Germany, the 53-year-old has not ruled out the possibility of a more extended stay.
Speaking at the Nations League draw in Paris, Southgate expressed his focus on the upcoming summer, stating, “You’ve got to see how the summer goes. It’s as simple as that.” He emphasized the need to deliver a strong performance before making decisions about the future.
The FA has been impressed by Southgate’s impact on the England team, both on and off the pitch, since he assumed the role in 2016. Initially taking charge on an interim basis, Southgate signed a contract extension in 2021, keeping him as England boss until December 2024.
Under Southgate’s leadership, England reached the Euro 2020 final, their best men’s performance in 55 years, and achieved a World Cup semi-final in 2018. Despite reaching the quarter-finals in the 2022 tournament in Qatar, England lost 2-1 to eventual finalists France.
With 57 wins in 91 matches, along with 20 draws and 14 defeats, Southgate has shaped England’s success on the international stage. While discussions about his contract are not expected until after the Euros, indications suggest that the FA would be open to accommodating Southgate’s desire to continue.
England’s Euro campaign begins on June 16 against Serbia in Group C, with Denmark and Slovenia as the other teams. If Southgate extends his stay beyond December 2024, he would become England’s third-longest-serving manager, following only Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Walter Winterbottom, surpassing the legacy of Sir Bobby Robson.
