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England manager, Gareth Southgate, has reportedly decided not to make a concrete decision on his future until 2023. Southgate, who has managed the Three Lions since November 2016, has enjoyed a successful period in charge of the national team but some people feel the time is now for him to step down.
According to The Telegraph, Southgate will weigh up his future over the festive period before relaying his decision to his bosses at the FA. Although his existing deal runs until after Euro 2024, speculation is rife that Southgate could step aside for someone else to take over.
The FA, however, are believed to be keen for Southgate to continue as England boss. Southgate is England’s most successful manager since Sir Alf Ramsey and was a penalty shootout away from leading England to their first major trophy since the 1996 World Cup at the European Championships last year.
Crunch talks pencilled in
A meeting has been scheduled for early next year between Southgate, FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham and Technical Director, John McDermott where the England boss will either hand in his resignation or commit his future to the national team.
Bullingham was full of praise for the national team in the wake of their quarter-final defeat to France last week, indicating that he is more than happy with Southgate’s performance as manager. He said:
“This is a very exciting young English squad, and, despite the intense disappointment of last night, they should very proud of their performances in Qatar. We are incredibly proud of Gareth, the players, the coaches and the support team and appreciate all the hard work they put in.”
It isn’t just Southgate’s bosses at the FA who are unsure as to what the ultimate decision will be. The players who made up the former Middleborough manager’s World Cup squad are also said to be in the dark about who will lead them going forward.
A looming qualification campaign
Although Southgate wants time to make his decision, he is going to need to have made his mind up by January/February next year. The qualification campaign for Euro 2024 begins in March, with England facing a tough opening fixture away to Italy.
They then face a home game against Ukraine in what will be their first match back on home soil since their heartbreaking World Cup exit at the hands of France. With only two teams from each group gaining qualification to the European Championship in Germany, it’s vital that England get off to a good start.
While the FA aren’t expected to stand in Southgate’s way if he does call it a day, they reportedly don’t have a contingency plan in place. Although the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel have been linked with the position, many analysts are suggesting that the next manager must be British.
Ex-England Manager, Sam Allardyce, said:
There are enough qualified British managers in this country to pick the right man. I just don’t see it. I think it would be a massive knock-back for our country, and a massive knock-back for young managers trying to make their way.
It’s hard enough to get in the Premier League as a British manager, but to think that it’s taken away from you to become the national team’s coach… I think it’s unacceptable, personally.”
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