Southgate’s sets High Stakes as he puts England job on the line for Euro 2024 glory
Gareth Southgate has made a bold declaration, stating that he will likely step down as England manager if his team fails to win Euro 2024.
Southgate contract set to expire in December, his future in the role hangs in the balance.
Despite the Football Association’s desire for him to continue, Southgate has made it clear that he will reevaluate his position after the tournament.
Since taking the reins in 2016, Southgate has overseen a remarkable transformation in England’s fortunes.
He led the team to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and narrowly lost the Euro 2020 final to Italy on penalties.
However, the quarterfinal exit at the 2022 World Cup, combined with the emergence of exciting young talent like Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, and Kobbie Mainoo, has raised expectations for this year’s Euros.
Southgate’s decision to put his job on the line is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the team’s success.
Having agonized over his future after the World Cup, Southgate is willing to stake his legacy on England’s performance in Germany.
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Southgate said:
“I think about half of the national coaches leave after a tournament — that’s the nature of international football.
I’ve been here for almost eight years now and 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.
“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.”
Asked whether signing a contract extension before the Euros was an option?
“No, [it wasn’t an option].” “The reason is that there would have been more criticism, which would have put more pressure on the team.
England did that once before with Fabio Capello and there was a big drama before the tournament. It’s better to check yourself after the tournament.”
It’s been a long wait for England fans, but the Three Lions last lifted a major international trophy in 1966, when they won the FIFA World Cup.
That iconic team, led by Bobby Moore and managed by Alf Ramsey, defeated West Germany 4-2 in extra time in the final at Wembley Stadium.
Since then, England have reached the semifinals of the World Cup twice (1990 and 2018) and the final of the European Championship once (2020), but are still seeking their next major trophy.
Will Euro 2024 be the year they end their 58-year drought? Only time will tell!
