GARETH SOUTHGATE would be a “fool” to leave England if he wins Euro 2024, claims Manchester United legend Paul Ince.
The Three Lions are set to face Spain in the final of the European championship on Sunday at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
Southgate‘s contract runs out in December and much has been discussed about his future after a hapless start to the competition despite the fact he made his second successive Euros final.
Ince, 56, though, insists his former England team-mate needs to remain at the helm for the 2026 World Cup after his stunning work with the national team.
Southgate, 53, has completely changed the culture of the team and his impact has also led to a fourth-place finish in the 2018 World Cup and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
The United great insists the England boss is a “right genius” that deserves to win the country’s first ever piece of silverware since the 1966 World Cup.
Ince exclusively told Ladbrokes 1-2-Free: “In management, when you make substitutions, you’re either going to look like a fool, or you’re going to look like a genius.
“If you bring certain players on, you’re going to get people asking questions. ‘Bring on [Ivan] Toney, bring on [Anthony] Gordon’. But, listen, it worked, and Gareth looks like a right genius.
“The world of social media nowadays means it’s almost impossible to get away from the criticism. But I don’t think it’ll bother Southy, I really don’t.
“We’re here now, and we’re in the final and he’ll probably still get criticised even if we go on and win it! That’s the nature of the beast.
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“Yes, we’ve had a bit of luck, but we’re definitely due it. You think back to 1996. We could’ve easily won that tournament. Then you’ve got 1993, when Ronald Koeman should’ve been sent off. There are so many occasions where things haven’t gone our way.
“Of course I’d love to see Gareth win it; he’s changed England in so many ways.
“Culturally, you know, I remember when I was playing for England and some players just didn’t want to play for their country, because they had a big club game coming up.
“Maybe he’ll want to step down and take a break, but if they win it on Sunday, I think he’d be a fool not to take this squad to America in a couple of years from now. “
England have played Spain 27 times in total - here is a look at every result...
Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain.
