The FA will try to keep Southgate on contract even if England lose to Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.
Southgate’s contract expires in December and talks over his future have been put on hold until after the European Championships. But the manager still has the backing of key figures at the FA and hopes he can lead England into the 2026 World Cup.
It remains to be seen whether Southgate is willing to take on a new challenge. He said before the game that if England did not return as champions, he would have to leave. He also suffered harsh criticism from supporters and television pundits.
But Southgate’s record over the past eight years is impeccable, making more history as he guided England to their first major men’s final on foreign soil. His decision to bring on Ollie Watkins in the semi-final against the Netherlands paid off, with the striker scoring a superb late winner for Dortmund.
Southgate has previously led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals and the 2020 European Cup final, but lost to Italy in a penalty shootout. After losing to France in the 2022 World Cup, he considered quitting.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham is a staunch supporter of Southgate. A full review is planned after the final against Spain, who are considered favourites. The FA have drawn up succession plans, with Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino believed to be under consideration.
