GARETH SOUTHGATE might have dropped a hint his time as England manager will be over.
Southgate has led a brave pack of new Three Lions into successive European Championship finals.
But both times, it ended in heartache with pressure sure to mount on his future in charge.
Southgate himself refused to commit himself to England in the immediate aftermath of 2-1 defeat to Spain.
He then said: “I think England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they’ve got now. The age of the squad.
“Most of this squad are going to be around not only for the World Cup but the next Euros as well.
“There’s a lot to look forward to but this moment is not any consolation.”
Southgate’s current contract is due to expire in December.
The FA have wanted to extend it but Southgate himself was waiting till after Euro 2024 in Germany.
And he was pressed on his future just moments after letting another final slip within his grasp.
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But Southgate said: “I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that. I need to talk to the right people. It’s not for now.”
The former England defender took charge on a temporary basis in 2016 after Sam Allardyce infamously resigned following just one game.
Southgate had come from the Under-21s and led England to the semi-final in the 2018 World Cup.
Three years later and he went one better in the delayed Euros by securing England’s first final since 1966.
It ended in heartbreak on penalties against Italy and a quarter-final finish followed the year later in the winter World Cup.
After another final loss, this time inside the 90 minutes, Southgate’s future as England boss has never been more uncertain.
Graham Potter – who has not returned to management since being sacked by Chelsea in 2022 – is the bookies favourite to succeed Southgate.
Potter is followed by Newcastle’s Eddie Howe with Mauricio Pochettino behind him.
