'If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here anymore': England manager Gareth Southgate ahead of Euro 2024
Euro 2024: Gareth Southgate likely to stay as England manager till 2026 FIFA World Cup – Reports
England manager Gareth Southgate will have unfinished business at the upcoming Euro 2024 as he aims for his maiden trophy with the national side. Southgate, who will take charge of his second European Championshipwith the Three Lions will be out of contract at the end of the year and will try to clinch the Euro 2024 title. However, he has reckoned that if he does not succeed with the national side and fails to land England’s first international men’s trophy in 58 years, he will be sacked.
Southgate opens up on future
"If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here anymore. It might be the last chance,” Southgate said in an interview with the German publication Bild.
"I think about half of the national coaches leave after a tournament – that’s the nature of international football.
"I’ve been here for almost eight years now and we’ve come close so I know that you can’t keep standing in front of the public and saying ‘please do a little more’ because at some point, people will lose faith in your message,” the England manager added.
At the Euro 2020, Southgate’s England side lost the final on penalties to Italy denying him and the national side their maiden European title. However, they will look to get over the line this time with a rich wealth of talent available in the ranks. A young squad led by Harry Kane will see the likes of Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and others stamp their authority at the tournament in Germany.
England will start their campaign on Sunday (June 16) against Serbia before taking on Denmark in a repeat of last edition’s semifinal. England’s final group game will be against Slovenia as they will look to top Group C.
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Can Southgate inspire England to historic win?
England have enjoyed a successful last few years under Gareth Southgate but have failed to end their trophy drought which is now at 58 years. England have not won a senior men’s international tournament since the 1966 FIFA World Cup in their homeland. Under Southgate, they have reached the semifinal (2018) and quarterfinal (2022) of the last two FIFA World Cups and were runners-up atEuro 2020. It will be interesting to see whether Southgate helps the Three Lions end that drought this summer in Germany.
