Football News: Southgate’s Future Uncertain as England Aim for Euro 2024 Glory
Southgate’s Tenure Reaches Critical Juncture
Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England manager has reached a critical juncture, with his future set to be a major talking point after the 2024 European Championship. Following the team’s underwhelming 1-1 draw with Denmark, some have even called for the Football Association to sack Southgate mid-tournament, although that scenario remains highly unlikely.
Southgate himself has acknowledged that this could be his final major tournament with the national team if they fail to win the whole competition. The 53-year-old has already led England to a semi-final and a final in three previous major tournaments, but with a talented squad featuring world-class players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden, anything short of glory at Euro 2024 will be considered a disappointment.
Possession-Based Approach and Criticism
Since replacing Sam Allardyce, Southgate has been praised for instilling a more positive culture and a possession-based style of play within the England setup. However, he has recently faced criticism over a perceived lack of attacking intent.
Calls for Foreign Manager
Speaking to talkSPORT.com, former England striker Darren Bent believes the FA should consider looking beyond their borders when searching for Southgate’s eventual successor. The Three Lions have not had a foreign manager since Fabio Capello’s departure in 2012, and with many of the Premier League’s top bosses hailing from abroad, Bent wants the FA to broaden their horizons and prioritize the best candidate for the job, regardless of their nationality.
“What I will say is, I couldn’t give you an exact name, but I don’t want it to be so narrow-minded where it’s got to be an Englishman,” Bent stated. “I think the best man available for the job would be good.”
The ex-Premier League striker pointed to Mauricio Pochettino as an example of a foreign manager who understands English football well enough to lead the national team. While Bent didn’t specifically endorse Pochettino, he emphasized the importance of considering the most qualified candidate, rather than limiting the search to English managers.
England’s Future at Euro 2024
As England prepare for the upcoming Euro 2024 campaign, Southgate’s future will undoubtedly be a topic of great interest among football enthusiasts. The team’s performance and the outcome of the tournament will ultimately determine whether the FA decides to stand by their current manager or seek a new direction for the national team.
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