Football News Update: England Prepares for Euro 2024 Final Showdown with Spain
Ahead of the highly anticipated Euro 2024 final on Sunday, the Football Association (FA) has expressed its desire for Gareth Southgate to remain as the England manager, regardless of the outcome of the match against Spain in Berlin.
Southgate’s current contract is set to expire in December, and the general consensus is that the upcoming tournament in Germany could be his last stint as the Three Lions’ boss. However, The Times reports that the FA is keen on retaining Southgate’s services due to his impressive track record and his willingness to align with the organization’s vision at St George’s Park.
The 53-year-old manager has faced intense criticism in recent weeks for his team selections and perceived negative tactics. However, with England now just one match away from their first major trophy in 58 years, the scrutiny has turned into praise.
Should England emerge victorious against Spain, Southgate will cement his place as one of the greatest England managers, joining the esteemed ranks of Sir Alf Ramsey, who led the nation to World Cup glory in 1966.
Southgate took charge of the England senior team in September 2016 and guided the team to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final, where they ultimately fell to Italy on penalties at Wembley Stadium. The team then went on to compete in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual champions France.
With another major final secured and the prospect of a trophy within reach, Southgate will be eager to add some silverware to his already impressive England CV. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham acknowledged that the organization has a Succession plan in place for Southgate, but he stressed that no one has been approached for the job, and the focus is on supporting the team’s preparations for the final.
talkSPORT will provide live commentary of the Euro 2024 final on Sunday as England bid to make history against Spain. Tune in via the website or the app, and follow our live Euro 2024 blog for all the build-up.
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