The Football Association is making it clear: they’re keen for Gareth Southgate to remain at the helm of the England national football team well beyond the upcoming European Championships. Initially slated to step down after the 2024 finals in Germany, Southgate, aged 53, has hinted at the possibility of stretching his tenure until the 2026 World Cup.
Addressing the press at the Nations League draw in Paris, Southgate remarked, “Let’s see how the summer unfolds. It’s a simple as that.” He stressed the importance of evaluating the team’s performance during the upcoming tournament before committing to any decisions about his future. Southgate exuded confidence in the team’s potential success and implied that his own personal benchmarks of achievement would play a pivotal role in shaping his next moves.
Since taking the reins in 2016, initially as an interim appointment, Southgate has transformed perceptions of the England team both on and off the pitch. His tenure has been characterized by significant milestones, including guiding the team to the Euro final in 2021, their best showing in 55 years, and steering them to their first World Cup semi-final in 28 years in 2018. Despite a quarter-final exit at the hands of eventual runners-up France in the 2022 World Cup, Southgate’s leadership has seen England notch 57 victories out of 91 matches under his stewardship, with 14 losses and 20 draws.
FA Impressed with Southgate’s Impact and Potential Contract Extension
The FA is thoroughly impressed with Southgate’s impact and the positive changes he’s instigated within the England setup. Back in 2021, he inked a contract extension, originally set to run until December 2024, signaling his dedication to the role. Acknowledging Southgate’s achievements and the potential for further triumphs under his guidance, the FA is receptive to accommodating his desire for an extended stay.
Any talks regarding Southgate’s contract renewal are likely to be shelved until after the conclusion of the European Championships. Nonetheless, if Southgate expresses his intention to stay on, it seems the FA would be open to prolonging his tenure. Should he extend his contract beyond December, Southgate would etch his name as England’s third-longest-serving manager, trailing only Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Walter Winterbottom, thereby solidifying his legacy in the annals of English football history.
