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Gareth Southgate is pondering his future with the Three Lions after suffering knockout heartache against France. Former England manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson, knows the pressures of the job and has backed the current supremo to continue until Euro 2024.
France broke English hearts, opening a host of questions about their tournament performances. Southgate took over as manager in 2016 and led them to the World Cup semi-finals two years later.
The following year, they were the beaten semi-finalists in the inaugural UEFA Nations League. Knockout success came their way as they rode to the final of Euro 2020 but could not overcome the final hurdle.
At the hands of France, the Three Lions earned the ignominious record of seven quarter-final defeats at the World Cup. They have come close but failed to get over the line. Southgate’s future has been under question as the FA looks to continue their evolution as title winners.
Emotional pressure has taken its toll and the former Middlesborough manager wants time to resolve his future. He has asked for time to decide on his future and a decision is expected before the international break in February 2023.
Sven-Goran Eriksson has been in his shoes and believes he is the right man to take the Three Lions forward.
Hiring a foreign manager can be a prospective solution for the FA. In Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino, the FA has high-profile nominees rumoured to be in consideration to replace Southgate.
🗣️ "He's seen it all and I think he should be kept within the system…"
Gary Neville believes Southgate should remain as England manager following the 2022 World Cup ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/uqiE4bf0gE
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 16, 2022
However, the governing body’s inability to put their trust outside after failed experiments with Fabio Capello and Eriksson himself deem this possibility unlikely.
“This England squad was very strong, you had a very good balance of youth and experience,” Eriksson told OLBG. “But some of the old players can’t wait long enough until the next World Cup because of their age, so I can understand if people want to see a new manager in charge.
“The quarter-finals is not good enough for the FA and the England supporters. There is still resistance to appointing a foreign manager for England, so I don’t know what they are going to do. I would keep Gareth Southgate for at least two more years.”
England matched champions France
Despite a winless campaign in the Nations League, England were considered one of the favourites to lift the trophy. Sven praised the work put in by the Three Lions and believes they should have advanced further in Qatar.
He pointed at the very even match between England and the defending champions to make his claim. The match was decided on fine details and some dubious decision-making by the officials. Ultimately, the failed penalty attempt by Harry Kane had the biggest impact.
“It was a very equal game between England and France, England had more possession in the second half and more or less had the same amount of chances,” the Swiss manager added.
“But England had a very good game, France is a top team in the world and just to lose out on a penalty, England deserves respect after the performance. The second France goal was great, but it was a bit lucky too.”
Absolutely gutted. We’ve given it everything and it’s come down to a small detail which I take responsibility for. There’s no hiding from it, it hurts and it’ll take some time to get over it but that’s part of sport. pic.twitter.com/lw5Esl4fnA
— Harry Kane (@HKane) December 11, 2022
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