The Football Association is determined to keep Gareth Southgate as England manager for the World Cup, regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s crucial final.
With his future uncertain, Southgate will now lead his country to the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
His current contract finishes in December but with England’s next match scheduled for September, any decision to leave will likely be made well in advance.
There is growing speculation that Southgate may step down after the Euros amid growing fan dissatisfaction with his management.
But England’s impressive run to this weekend’s Euros final against Spain in Berlin reaffirmed the FA’s position that Southgate remains the best man for the job.
And English football’s governing body will be left to signal that even if they lose on Sunday, they want Southgate to stay on for at least another two years after the current tournament ends, up until the 2026 World Cup in the USA.
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Southgate’s reconnection with a disgruntled fanbase that hurled plastic beer cups at him during the group stage could ease the path to a new contract for the England manager.
The 53-year-old has been secretive about his future beyond Euro 2024, which has added to uncertainty in recent months.
Indeed, Southgate may already have decided he wants to return to managing the club, win or lose on Sunday.
He was a favourite to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United but the Dutchman signed a new contract at Old Trafford.
If Southgate were to step down, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe, Mauricio Pochettino and Graham Potter are likely candidates to succeed him.
Meanwhile, Southgate admits his team will need a “flawless” performance to beat Spain in the Euros final.
Spain are widely regarded as the most complete team in Germany, while England’s performance early in the tournament was heavily criticised.
Southgate added: “They are obviously the favourites to win the tournament after how they have performed so far. They have been the best team.”
“They have a long day and in the last three finals, maybe more, it has meant quite a lot so we have to recover well. Tactically we have to be perfect because they are a very good team.”
Kieran Trippier, who was substituted at half-time in the semi-final against the Netherlands with a suspected groin injury, is hoped to be fit enough to train in time for Sunday’s final.