Gareth Southgate says it is ‘emotionally impossible’ to decide on his future now

Gareth Southgate has said it is “emotionally impossible” for him to decide at the moment whether to continue as England’s manager after Euro 2024. The Football Association will attempt to keep him beyond his current contract even if his team lose to Spain in the final on Sunday.

Southgate’s deal expires in December and talks over his future have been put on ice until the Euros are over. But the manager retains the support of key figures at the FA and there is a desire for him to lead England into the 2026 World Cup.

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Southgate was asked on Friday how difficult it would be to walk away, especially if England beat Spain. “Nothing’s that difficult but emotionally it would be impossible for me to make a logical decision at the moment on any of that because my sole focus for two years has been winning this tournament,” he told Sky News.

“The last five-six weeks have been an absolute rollercoaster so I don’t actually know where I am with anything other than very focused on preparing the team for this game and determined to keep leading them in the way we have over the last month.”

It remains to be seen whether Southgate will want a new challenge. He suggested before the tournament that he would have to go if England did not return as champions. He has also endured heavy criticism from supporters and television pundits.

But Southgate’s record over the past eight years is impeccable and he has created more history by leading England into their first major men’s final on foreign soil. His decision to bring on Ollie Watkins in the semi-final against the Netherlands paid off when the striker scored a brilliant late winner in Dortmund.

Southgate has previously led England to the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup, the quarter-final of the 2022 edition and the Euro 2020 final, which was lost on penalties to Italy. He considered quitting after losing to France at the 2022 World Cup.

The FA’s chief executive, Mark Bullingham, is a staunch supporter of Southgate. A full review is planned after the final against Spain, who are regarded as favourites. The FA has a succession plan in place, with Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino believed to be under consideration.