Gareth Southgate reveals future plans after UEFA Euro 2024 final defeat

After England's 2-1 defeat to Spain during the UEFA Euro 2024 final, Gareth Southgate has decided to step away from managing England for the time being. It's unknown if Southgate would sign a contract extension that would take him through to upcoming competitions like the World Cup in 2026 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His current deal expires in December but the English FA might make a decision sooner rather than later.

Since taking over as England's manager in 2016, Southgate has guided his team to two finals at the European Championship and the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup. After the UEFA Euro 2024 final, Gareth Southgate spoke to British broadcaster ITV as he said,“I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that. I’m going to talk to the right people. It’s just not for now.”

He added: “I think England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they’ve got now, the age of the squad. Most of this squad are going to be around not just for the World Cup but the next Euros as well. There’s a lot to look forward to but at this moment that’s not any consolation.”

“It’s the last step we haven’t been able to do” : Gareth Southgate

Although Southgate acknowledged that it has been "hard to reflect" upon his eight years as manager, he is certain that England can win important tournaments in the future. He feels that the team has done well in major competitions but it’s the finish line that they haven’t been able to cross. 

The England manager added, "Of course to take England to two finals has never been done but we came here to win and we haven’t been able to do that. England have some fabulous players. We have been consistently back in the matches that matter. It’s the last step we haven’t been able to do."