Gareth Southgate to decide on England future next year and FA will NOT stand in his way if he decides to quit
GARETH SOUTHGATE will wait until next year to decide his England future.
Southgate’s tenure as England chief was up in the air going into the World Cup and the uncertainty continues following the Three Lions’ quarter-final defeat to France.
The 52-year-old will deliberate his future over the festive period before deciding whether or not to call it quits.
That’s according to The Daily Telegraph, who claim he’s set to meet FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and technical director John McDermot after the turn of the New Year.
The FA are said to be keen on retaining his services, but will “not stand in his way” if he decides to move on.
Southgate – who was appointed in November 2016 – has two years left on his contract.
His appointment has been a roaring success, with the former England and Middlesbrough defender guiding his troops to the semi-finals and final of the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 respectively.
But he was coy on his future after England’s 2-1 defeat to the French last weekend.
He said: “After every tournament, we have sat and reviewed and reflected and that needs a bit of time to make sure everyone makes the right decisions.”
Southgate said of the defeat: “The performance deserved better but in the end goals are decisive.
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
“I just said to the players they couldn’t have given any more. They played really well against a top team.
“There’s fine margins and things at both ends that decided the game.
“The way this group has progressed through this tournament has been fantastic.”
When pressed on the potential criticism his troops would receive following their elimination, he added: “It’s pointless me going into that.
“I’d rather talk about our players and to congratulate France – they know they’ve been in a hell of a game.
“We have given a top team a game. We couldn’t have done any more.”
The FA are reportedly willing to appoint a foreign coach should Southgate walk away from England.
Jose Mourinho, Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino have all been linked with the job.