Gareth Southgate will remain in charge of England until at least Euro2024, an FA Spokesperson has confirmed, following England’s quarter-final exit at the 2022 World Cup.
Having been in charge since 2016, Southgate has seen England reach a World Cup semi-final in 2018, a Euro final in 2021 and the quarter finals of the tournament in Qatar, where they fell to a 2-1 defeat to France.
Speaking after the defeat to Les Blues, Southgate admitted that he was unsure of his future heading into 2023.
“These tournaments take a lot out of you and I need time to reflect”, he explained.
“We’ve done that after every tournament and that’s the right thing to do.”
England’s Harry Kane stands dejected following the FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final match at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. Picture date: Saturday December 10, 2022. 2M1706F England’s Harry Kane stands dejected following the FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final match at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. Picture date: Saturday December 10, 2022. (Alamy Stock Photo)
However, his future has since been confirmed, with the former Middlesbrough boss remaining in charge of the Three Lions until at least Euro2024, which takes place in 18 months time and qualifying for which begins in March.
It will take Southgate’s reign in charge to 8 years, taking him level with Sir Bobby Robson as England’s third-longest serving manager of all time.
The 52-year-old has drawn widespread praise for his off-the-pitch work with the England side, re-harmonising what had previously been a fractured dressing room and getting the press and the players on the same side rather than at odds with each other.
However, he has also drawn criticism for his in-game management, most recently bringing on Raheem Sterling against France, and though he remains popular, concerns about his top-level ability persist.