Gareth Southgate’s future as England manager is uncertain after their defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. The Football Association wants him to stay, but his contract ends in December. The question now is, how long will Southgate take to decide?
There is no set timeline for Southgate’s decision. Technically, he has until December to make up his mind. However, with the start of the Premier League season just five weeks away, it would be beneficial to have clarity sooner rather than later. Clubs are about to begin pre-season, and it would be ideal for them to know if Southgate will continue as manager.
England’s next game is against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on September 7th, in the Nations League. The September, October, and November international double-headers are reserved for Nations League games. The 2026 World Cup qualifying round draw is set to take place later this year, with matches beginning in March 2025. If Southgate decides to step down, his successor will need time to prepare for these upcoming fixtures.
In making the decision, the Football Association’s technical director John McDermott will play a key role. McDermott has extensive experience in coaching and player development, having spent 15 years at Tottenham before joining the FA in 2020. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and chair Debbie Hewitt are also influential figures in the decision-making process.
The FA Board, however, lacks a presence like David Dein or David Gill, who had day-to-day expertise in football administration. Rick Parry, the chair of the English Football League (EFL), is on the FA Board and may provide useful input. Jobi McAnuff, a former player with 20 years of experience across eight clubs, is also a member of the FA Board.
While the FA likely has an outline plan in place, they have not been in this position since 2016 when Roy Hodgson resigned after England’s embarrassing exit from the Euros. Sam Allardyce was brought in but lasted only 67 days before being sacked. Southgate was initially promoted from his role as England Under-21 boss on an interim basis. The landscape has changed significantly since then, with Alan Pardew, Steve Bruce, Greg Clarke, and Martin Glenn all no longer involved in the decision-making process.
One of the factors the FA will consider is the development of English coaches. Despite the investment in St George’s Park, no English coach has won the Premier League. None were appointed to any of the top-flight vacancies this summer either. Eddie Howe, with his success at Newcastle, has been the highest-placed English coach in recent years. If Southgate were to leave, the FA must decide whether to prioritize an English replacement who can also focus on developing young talent, or opt for an overseas manager solely interested in the senior team.
The job of England manager is one of the most scrutinized in world football, and top-level experience, either as a player or manager, is seen as essential. The FA will have to wrestle with these issues as Southgate makes his decision. While getting rid of a coach may be relatively easy, finding a suitable replacement is far more challenging.
In conclusion, Gareth Southgate’s decision on whether to stay on as England manager is eagerly awaited. The FA will need to consider various factors, such as timing and the development of English coaches, in order to make the right choice for the future of the national team.