Football News Update: Gareth Southgate Uncertain About England’s Future Beyond Euro 2024
England manager Gareth Southgate has expressed uncertainty about his future with the national team beyond the 2024 European Championships. In an exclusive interview with ESPN, Southgate discussed the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Southgate acknowledged that the 2026 World Cup will be an “amazing tournament,” but he refused to confirm whether he will remain as England’s manager for that event. The 53-year-old’s contract with the Football Association (FA) is set to expire in December, and the governing body is reportedly keen for him to continue leading the Three Lions.
“That will depend on playing well, getting results and wanting to stay. Any number of things would be wrapped up in that. But that’s for after this summer, really.”
Sources have suggested that Southgate is also under consideration to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United’s manager, should the Dutch coach be sacked in the coming weeks. However, Southgate has previously dismissed such speculation as “completely disrespectful” and has stated that he will not consider his options until after Euro 2024, which is scheduled to take place in Germany.
Southgate has coached England at a European Championship and two World Cups, leading the team to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020. The FA is eager to maintain his leadership, as he has guided the team to consistent success and stability over the past six years.
The 2026 World Cup: Logistical Challenges
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, and Southgate acknowledged the logistical challenges that come with hosting the tournament across three countries.
“If you think about the travel and the time zones compared to the last World Cup, it couldn’t be more different. Temperature changes, altitude and everything else that you could face.”
As Southgate prepares for the upcoming Euro 2024 campaign, his focus remains on the immediate task at hand, and he has declined to speculate on his long-term future with the England national team.
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