Gareth Southgate isn’t mincing words about his future with England. He hinted that if England doesn’t clinch victory at Euro 2024, his tenure as manager could be over.
Southgate’s leadership since 2016 has seen England soar, reaching the 2018 World Cup semifinals and narrowly missing out on Euro 2020 glory. But now, failure at Euro 2024 could mark the end of an era.
As per ESPN, in an interview with German newspaper Bild, Southgate laid it bare: “If we don’t win [the Euros], I probably won’t be here anymore. Then it might be the last chance.”
His decision to possibly step down mirrors the typical turnover of national coaches after major tournaments. The weight of expectations, especially with a fresh cohort of promising talent, adds pressure.
Reflecting on his own journey, Southgate admitted contemplating departure post-World Cup, understanding the risk of overstaying his welcome. Now, he acknowledges the necessity of delivering when it matters most.
While he remains undecided about extending his contract beyond Euro 2024, Southgate’s focus is clear: delivering results. His cautious approach to contract talks, learned from past experiences like Fabio Capello’s pre-2010 World Cup contract saga, aims to shield the team from undue distractions.
For England, the Euro 2024 campaign is more than a shot at redemption; it’s a defining moment for Southgate’s legacy. As they gear up to face Serbia in their Group C opener, the pressure is on. Will Southgate steer England to glory, or will Euro 2024 mark the end of an era? The stakes couldn’t be higher.
