The coach of England, Gareth Southgate, has stated that Euro 2024 could be his last opportunity to win a trophy with the "3 Lions" national team. The 53-year-old technician has been at the head of England's bench since 2016 and has led the team to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the 2020 European final, and the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals.
Southgate's contract expires in December of this year, but the English Football Association seems to want Southgate to coach England, even in the 2026 World Cup. However, Gareth has hinted that in case England cannot win the European of this year in Germany, he may leave the management of the team:
"If we don't win, maybe I won't be here anymore. This may be the last chance. If we want to be a great team and if I want to be a great coach, then we have to give results in key moments. I think half of the national team coaches leave at the end of a tournament. Such is the nature of national football. I've been in this position for almost 8 years now and we've come very close... But I can't just sit here and ask people to wait a little longer, because they'll start to lose faith in your message.”
Southgate has been linked by the English media in recent weeks as one of the possible alternatives to replace Erik ten Hag at the head of Manchester United, in case the latter leaves. Southgate was also asked why he did not agree to renew his contract before this year's Europeans, given that the opportunity was offered to him by the English FA. The technician said that he refused to renew before the European, in order not to increase the pressure on his team.
