“One more,” shouted Gareth Southgate to England’s traveling fans on Wednesday, meaning “one more game.” However, the English Football Association hopes he will stay for many more.
England head coach Southgate has had a tumultuous Euro 2024 journey, from dealing with fan frustrations during the group stage to preparing for the final against Spain on Sunday. This dramatic run has led FA officials to prioritize convincing Southgate to remain as head coach through the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Reports suggest that talks for a new contract will begin after the Spain game, regardless of the outcome. Southgate’s current contract ends in December, giving him time to consider his future and potential club opportunities while allowing the England program to plan ahead.
Southgate was linked with the Manchester United job at the end of the last season, but Erik ten Hag retained his position despite the team’s poor performance.
Although Sir Alf Ramsey is the only England coach to have won major silverware, Southgate is considered the second-best leader the team has had. He has had outstanding players, such as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, and his results speak for themselves.
Southgate led England to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup, a near-victory in the Euro 2020 final, and a close quarterfinal loss to France in the 2022 World Cup. These successes have raised public expectations, and Southgate has already achieved something unprecedented by leading England to a major final outside their home country.
The England job is challenging due to intense public interest, and Southgate has spoken about the lack of joy he finds in his work because of the pressure. He was hurt by early criticism during the campaign when England’s performance was lackluster. Although their play hasn’t become much more fluid, England has shown resilience and spirit, coming from behind three times.
“We all want to be loved, right?” Southgate said after the semifinal win over the Netherlands. “When you are doing something for your country and you are a proud Englishman, you don’t feel that back, and when all you read is criticism, it is hard. To be able to celebrate a second final is very, very special.”