- Man Utd could sack Ten Hag this summer
- Southgate mentioned as potential target
- England boss focused on Euro 2024
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Dutchman’s second season as Man Utd boss has gone disastrously and as such reports have suggested that the the coach could be shown the door by the Red Devils top brass at the end of the season. Southgate’s has been the most commonly mentioned name in the conversation over potential replacements, but he maintains that he is focused fully on England with the Euros due to start in just over a month – although he refused to deny the move was a possibility thereafter.
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WHAT SOUTHGATE SAID
Speaking to ITV News, Southgate said [via The Telegraph]: “I’ve got one thing to focus on. That’s having as successful a tournament with England as possible. Everything else outside of that is a complete irrelevance to me.”
On whether the links are a distraction for him, he told the BBC: “Well, for me, it’s not an issue and never has been. I have to deliver a successful tournament for England and there’s enough work involved in that. I think everybody would expect that’s where my focus should be.
“There will always be speculation about managers because if you lose a couple of games, you’re in trouble – you win a couple of games and it is a different agenda.
“But for me, it [Euro 2024] is a brilliant opportunity. We’re looking forward to the tournament. My focus is on how do we go a step further than we went in the last Euros [when they were beaten on penalties in the final by Italy].”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Southgate’s current contract with the Three Lions expires in December, and predictably a coach of his stature has drawn the attention of clubs that may potentially look to switch coaches at the end of the season. One of those clubs is Man Utd, who look likely to miss out on European football next season as they currently sit eighth in the Premier League. It has been reported that Southgate will be considered for the role despite his lack of silverware, although soon-to-be ex-Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel is believed to be the frontrunner. The possibility of Erik ten Hag staying on has also not been ruled out.
WHAT NEXT FOR SOUTHGATE?
The England manager will be looking to finalise his travelling squad for the European Championship in Germany with a lot of tough calls staring him in the face. For the Three Lions, the Euros will kick off on June 16 with a clash against Serbia.
