England manager Gareth Southgate is keeping his future plans under wraps following the team’s defeat in the Euro 2024 final against Spain. Southgate, who has been in charge since 2016, has led England to back-to-back European finals, as well as the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. Despite criticism from Germany during the tournament, Southgate remains proud of his team’s achievements but acknowledges the disappointment of falling short in the final.
Former England striker Alan Shearer believes it may be Southgate’s last game as manager, given the disappointment of losing two consecutive finals. Shearer suggests that while England could have played more attacking football, reaching the final is still an impressive feat. However, the failure to secure victory in the decisive matches may lead Southgate to consider stepping aside.
Former defender Rio Ferdinand also feels that Southgate must shoulder some blame for England’s defeats in the finals. Ferdinand believes that England has a talented pool of players but questions whether they have been put in the best position to succeed. He suggests that the Football Association (FA) faces a significant decision regarding Southgate’s future.
However, not everyone is critical of Southgate. England forward Ollie Watkins praises the manager for bringing a sense of togetherness to the squad. Watkins believes that Southgate deserves more praise for his success as England manager. Despite the disappointment of not winning the tournament, Watkins emphasizes the positive experience he had under Southgate’s leadership.
Former England defender Matt Upson admits that watching England’s performances in Germany has been challenging. He highlights that the team has frequently conceded the first goal in recent matches and questions their style and plan of play compared to Spain. Upson suggests that there is room for improvement in how England approaches attacking the game.
In conclusion, Gareth Southgate’s future as England manager remains uncertain following the team’s defeat in the Euro 2024 final. While some criticize his tactics and question his ability to secure victories in crucial matches, others praise his leadership and believe he deserves more recognition for his achievements. The FA now faces a significant decision regarding the future direction of the England men’s football team.