Euro 2024 Could Be Gareth Southgate’s Last Chance to Win a Trophy with England
Gareth Southgate, the manager of the England men’s football team, has stated that Euro 2024 could be his “last chance” to win a trophy with England. Southgate, who has been in charge since 2016, has led his team to several impressive performances in recent tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the Euro 2020 final, and the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar. However, with his contract set to expire in December, Southgate’s future with the team remains uncertain.
While the Football Association is keen for him to remain as manager for the next World Cup in 2026, Southgate expressed his belief that failure to win a trophy in Germany could result in the end of his tenure. In an interview with German newspaper Bild, he said, “If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here anymore. Then it might be the last chance.”
Southgate understands the importance of delivering results in key moments and recognizes that if England wants to establish itself as a top team, success in major tournaments is crucial. He stated, “If we want to be a big team and I want to be a top coach, then you have to deliver in the big moments.”
The manager’s comments come at a time when England’s preparations for Euro 2024 have been somewhat inconsistent. After a convincing 3-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, the team suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Iceland. These mixed performances raise questions about England’s ability to perform consistently at the highest level.
Southgate is well aware of the transient nature of international football, where approximately half of national coaches leave their positions after a tournament. Recognizing this reality, he said, “I’ve been here for almost eight years now and we’ve come close. So I know that you can’t keep standing in front of the public and saying ‘please do a little more’, because at some point people will lose faith in your message.”
When asked about his decision not to sign a new contract before Euro 2024, Southgate explained that doing so would have invited more criticism and added pressure on the team. He cited the example of Fabio Capello, the former England manager, who faced intense scrutiny and drama before a tournament due to his contract situation. Southgate believes it is better to evaluate his position after the tournament, allowing him to focus solely on leading the team without external distractions.
As Southgate looks ahead to Euro 2024, he knows that expectations are high, and the pressure to deliver is immense. The tournament presents an opportunity for him to cement his legacy as a successful manager for England. Whether he will be able to guide his team to glory and secure his future remains to be seen. Fans and pundits alike will be eagerly watching to see if Southgate can lead England to their first major trophy since 1966.