Gareth Southgate to stay on as England manager

There'd been speculation he might step down after the Three Lions' defeat to France in the World Cup

England manager Gareth Southgate had been considering his future after the World Cup defeat to France
Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 18th Dec 2022

The Football Association has confirmed Gareth Southgate will be staying in his job as manager of the England men's football team.

He'd been considering his future after his side lost 2-1 to France in the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar last weekend.

Southgate's been in charge of the team since 2016. He took after they'd been shocked in the last 16 of Euro 2016 by Iceland, prompting Roy Hodgson to resign as manager.

There had been speculation the 52 year old might step down from the role but that's since been dismissed by this announcement from the FA today.

"We are delighted to confirm that Gareth Southgate is continuing as England manager and will lead our Euro 2024 campaign," said a statement from FA chief executive Mark Bullingham.

"Gareth and (assistant) Steve Holland have always had our full support and our planning for the Euros starts now."

Southgate led England to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia in 2018 and the final of last summer's European Championship, before reaching the last eight in Qatar.

In the build-up to this year's tournament there had been significant criticism of Southgate following a run of poor results.

England suffered relegation to League B of the Nations League after losing twice to Hungary, drawing two against Germany and a draw and defeat to Italy led to serious questions being asked about his future.

But even after a positive response to the team's run to the last eight Southgate stressed he needed a period of reflection to decide on the best course of action.

"I think, whenever I finish these tournaments, I've needed time to make correct decisions," he said immediately after their exit.

"Emotionally you go through so many different feelings. The energy it takes through these tournaments is enormous.

"I want to make the right decision, whatever that is, for the team, for England, for the FA. I've got to be sure whatever decision I make is the right one."

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