The Football Association (FA) has decided to delay discussions about Gareth Southgate’s future until after the conclusion of Euro 2024. Southgate’s current contract, worth £2.5 million per year, expires in December, and there is increasing speculation that this could be his final tournament as England manager.
Despite the FA’s strong desire to retain Southgate and their readiness to offer him a new contract, no back-up plans or approaches to potential successors have been made. This cautious approach is partly due to a clause in Southgate’s contract that grants him a six-month grace period after the Euros.
Having been at the helm for eight years, Southgate is under significant pressure to deliver a trophy, having already made considerable progress with the team and promoting the St George’s Park setup. A successful Euros campaign, possibly culminating in a victory, could persuade him to extend his tenure and take another shot at the World Cup.
However, Southgate might also be contemplating a return to domestic management. Manchester United had shown interest in him, but they have since moved on due to timeline conflicts. The lack of obvious replacements for Southgate complicates the FA’s situation. Ideal candidates, such as Graham Potter or Eddie Howe, would need to align with the FA’s preference for a homegrown coach who supports the St George’s Park system.
Addressing the speculation last month, Southgate said: “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.”
He added: “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, [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.”
As the England squad arrived in Germany on Monday, they began preparations for their opening match against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday night. While Bukayo Saka has emerged as a potential doubt due to a managed training program, Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly in better condition.
The FA’s decision to hold off on succession planning until after the Euros underscores the high stakes of the tournament for Southgate and the national team.
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