Euro 2024: Gareth Southgate suggests he may leave England if the team does not win the tournament – ‘Final opportunity’

Gareth Southgate has acknowledged that Euro 2024 could be his final opportunity to lead England to success in a major tournament. The Three Lions manager admitted that if his team fails to end the nation’s 58-year trophy drought, he “probably won’t be here anymore.”

Speaking to German publication Bild, Southgate emphasized that many national coaches depart after a tournament, and he understands that he cannot continue to ask for more from the public without delivering results.

Southgate expressed his reluctance to commit his future to England beyond Euro 2024, citing the example of former England boss Fabio Capello, whose tenure ended in disappointment after the 2010 World Cup. He believes that signing a new deal would only invite more criticism and pressure on the team. Southgate is determined to avoid a similar fate and wants to focus on delivering in the crucial moments.

This will be Southgate’s fourth major tournament as England manager, following their semi-final, final, and quarter-final appearances at the 2018 World Cup, Euro 2020, and 2022 World Cup respectively. When asked if previous near-misses, including his own penalty miss against Germany in the Euro 1996 semi-finals, serve as added motivation, Southgate emphasized that it is not just about him but about the collective aim of the team.

England’s hopes in Euro 2024 will rest on the performances of young talents like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. Southgate praised Bellingham’s maturity in handling life at a top club like Real Madrid and highlighted Kane’s benefit from playing for Bayern Munich. He believes that experiencing the pressure to win every week at their respective clubs will help them understand the demands of the national team.

In conclusion, Southgate is aware that Euro 2024 could be his last chance to achieve glory with England. He is determined to deliver in the big moments and avoid the criticism and pressure that comes with falling short. With talented players like Bellingham and Kane in the squad, Southgate hopes to guide England to success and end the long wait for a major trophy.