In light of recent discussions about the future of England’s national football team manager, Gareth Southgate, the English Football Association (FA) chief executive, Mark Bullingham, has stated that there is a succession plan in place should Southgate decide to leave after the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament. Despite speculation about Southgate’s potential departure, Bullingham emphasized that there have been no discussions with any candidates or an approach from Manchester United for the England boss.
Gareth Southgate’s contract is set to expire in December, and he has expressed his desire to delay talks regarding an extension until after the Euro 2024 finals. Sources within the FA have indicated that they would like Southgate to continue leading the team through to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This would mark a decade in charge for Southgate, who took over from Sam Allardyce in 2016.
Recent rumors suggested that Manchester United had identified Gareth Southgate as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag. However, Bullingham clarified that there have been no approaches for Southgate’s services. He reiterated Southgate’s commitment to discussing his future plans after the tournament and expressed his admiration for the job Southgate has done in transforming the fortunes of England’s men’s senior team.
Gareth Southgate is no stranger to high expectations, especially after leading England to the final of the Euro 2020 tournament. Despite the pressure of delivering results, Bullingham refrained from setting an “arbitrary level” for success in determining Southgate’s future. He acknowledged the unpredictability of football outcomes and emphasized the need to assess the overall performance after the tournament concludes.
The future of Gareth Southgate as the manager of England’s national football team remains uncertain, with negotiations regarding his contract extension postponed until after the Euro 2024 finals. While speculations about Southgate’s potential departure and interest from clubs like Manchester United have surfaced, the FA is prepared with a succession plan in place for any eventualities. Southgate’s focus remains on leading England to success in the upcoming tournament and beyond, with hopes of continued growth and achievements for the team under his guidance.