- Southgate focused on Euro 2024
- Suggests he could retire if England win trophy
- Rubbished rumours linking him to Man Utd
WHAT HAPPENED?
The England manager made it clear that his sole focus is on leading the Three Lions to continental glory at the 2024 European Championship, scheduled to take place in Germany next month. Since taking the helm, Southgate has steered England to a World Cup semi-final in 2018, a quarter-final in 2022, and the final of the Euros at Wembley in 2021, where the team narrowly lost on penalties. And this time, the manager is more determined than ever to bring home the silverware – which would be the first major honour for the Three Lions since 1966.
WHAT SOUTHGATE SAID
During an interview at England’s St George’s Park headquarters, Southgate was asked whether it would be his decision or the Football Association’s to determine his future contract. He responded: “I imagine both. That’s always as we’ve worked.”
However, emphasising the job at hand, he added: “But, the reality of that is we focus totally on this tournament. I’ve worked in this building for over 10 years and, yeah, the ambition has been to win a tournament. So, there’s nothing for us to consider until we’ve done that. And if we can do that, maybe I’ll retire and do nothing anyway.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite recent rumours linking him with the managerial position at Manchester United, Southgate categorically denied any discussions with the club and went on to stress the importance of maintaining his commitment to the national team.
“I’ve never spoken with a club in all my time in the job – I think that would be disrespectful to the position I hold,” he asserted.
“When you’ve worked so long and so hard for the opportunity to take your country and lead them with a chance to win something, then your focus has got to be 100% on that. And that’s where mine is.”
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WHAT NEXT?
England’s journey to Euro 2024 begins with their opening match against Serbia on June 16. As the Three Lions prepare for the challenges ahead, Southgate’s leadership and strategic vision will be crucial in guiding the team through the rigours of the competition. The exclusion of seasoned players like Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson indicates a bold approach, prioritising current form and the integration of new talent to bolster the squad’s overall capabilities. The provisional 33-man squad will be trimmed to a maximum of 26 players by June 7.
