Gareth Southgate will remain England coach | UK News

[ad_1]

The Football Association has confirmed that Gareth Southgate will remain England coach and lead the Three Lions at UEFA Euro 2024.

The 52-year-old was contemplating his future after the 2-1 quarter-final defeat by France at the World Cup.

Southgate had a contract until Euro 2024 but admitted he was “confusing” about staying in what is often a difficult 18 months.

But the former England defender will now still be in charge of a fourth major slam.

In a statement on Sunday, the FA said: “We are pleased to confirm that Gareth Southgate will continue as England manager, leading our campaign for UEFA Euro 2024.

“Gareth and Steve Holland have always had our full support, and our planning for the Euros starts now.”

Southgate led England to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Russia in 2018 and the European Championship final last summer, before reaching the quarter-finals in Qatar.

In the build-up to this year’s tournament, there has been significant criticism of Southgate after a poor run of results.

Relegation to League B of the Nations League after losing twice to Hungary, drawing twice against Germany and drawing and defeating Italy, raised serious questions about his future.

Please use the Chrome browser for an easily accessible video player

0:51 Heartbreak for the fans as England lose

But even after the positive response to the team’s World Cup run, Southgate stressed he needed a period of reflection to decide on the best course of action.

“I think the more I finish these tournaments, the more I need time to make the right decisions,” he said upon exiting the tournament.

“Emotionally you go through many different emotions.

“The energy these tournaments take is enormous.

“I want to make the right decision, whatever it is, for the team, for England, for the Football Association.

I have to make sure that whatever decision I make is the right one.”

Read more: The World Cup ‘changed the perception of this part of the world’ Qatar 2022 coach Lionel Messi says in numbers: One win can cement his status as the best footballer in the world.

Former England defender Gary Neville welcomed the news of Southgate’s stay.

“I think it was the right decision,” he told Sky Sports News.

“When I saw early last week it was due to be discussed in the new year, I didn’t think it was going to work, and left it hanging for so long.

“The fact that he has appeared is welcome, it puts him to bed and allows everyone to focus on the next 18 months.

“This means that a succession plan can be drawn up.”

Southgate won 49 of England’s 81 matches, with 18 draws and 14 defeats, while England scored 174 goals and conceded 57.

Only two previous managers have reached half-centuries in the winning figure – World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey with 69 and longest-serving English manager Sir Walter Winterbottom with 78.

[ad_2]