Manager Gareth Southgate has acknowledged that Euro 2024 could be his “last chance” to secure a trophy with England.
The 53-year-old, who has been at the helm since 2016, has guided the team to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the Euro 2020 final, and the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar.
Despite his contract expiring in December, the Football Association hopes he will continue through the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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However, in an interview with German newspaper Bild, Southgate suggested that failure to win a trophy in Germany might mark the end of his tenure. “If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here anymore. Then it might be the last chance,” he stated. “If we want to be a big team and I want to be a top coach, then you have to deliver in the big moments.”
England’s preparations for the tournament have been mixed, with a 3-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina followed by a disappointing 1-0 defeat by Iceland. They will kick off their Euro campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, 16 June, followed by matches against Denmark and Slovenia.
Southgate reflected on the precarious nature of international football management, noting, “I think about half of the national coaches leave after a tournament – that’s the nature of international football.”
He also addressed speculation linking him to Manchester United if Erik ten Hag is sacked, acknowledging the pressure to deliver results after nearly eight years in charge. “We’ve come close. So I know that you can’t keep standing in front of the public and saying ‘please do a little more’, because at some point people will lose faith in your message,” he said.
When asked why he didn’t sign a new contract before Euro 2024, Southgate explained that it would have invited more criticism and increased pressure on the team. He cited the example of Fabio Capello, whose contract renewal led to significant controversy before a tournament. “It’s better to check yourself after the tournament,” Southgate concluded.
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