After a disappointing World Cup that saw England get knocked out in the quarter-finals, the English FA has confirmed that manager Gareth Southgate will retain his position going into Euro 2024.
“We are delighted to confirm that Gareth Southgate is continuing as England manager, and will lead our Euro 2024 campaign,” FA chief executive Mark Bullingham gleamed.
“Gareth and Steve Holland [assistant manager] have always had our full support, and our planning for the Euros starts now,” Bullingham continued.
Heavy criticism from pundits
After heavy fire from pundits, fans, and journalists around the world, Southgate indeed was divided about whether he should stay as the manager of the Three Lions.
“There’s lots of things in my head that’s really conflicted at the moment,” Southgate confessed in his post-match conference.
Yet some persuasive words from England’s finest and the allure of leading England to its first trophy in some time presumably pulled Southgate back to the prestigious post.
He will lead England into key matchups against sides like Italy and Ukraine in Euro 2024 qualifying.
Lack of potential successors
Some key reasons why the FA renewed Southgate’s contract included tactical consistency, an appreciation for his deep run in Euro 2020, and a lack of potential successors.
England looked strong in their stint at Qatar at first, routing Iran with a mighty 6-2 victory. They surprisingly drew with the US before ending their group stage with a 3-0 win over Wales. After a comprehensive romp over reigning African champions Senegal, Southgate’s offense faltered in their quarter-final game with France.
“England played a great game, and I would like to tell them that we are proud to have beaten such a great team,” Olivier Giroud said after scoring the match-winner against them.
Southgate is England’s winningest manager in modern history with 49 games in six years. Under Southgate, England made it to the semifinals in the 2018 World Cup, the semfinals of the Nations League, and the finals of the Euros.
Photo credit: IMAGO / Colorsport
