Gareth Southgate says it would be impossible for him to make a “logical” decision about his future with England given their triumph at the 2024 European Championship.
England reached their first ever out-of-world final against Spain in Berlin on Sunday, winning their second consecutive European Championship final after losing to Italy on penalties at Wembley three years ago.
It is the third time in the three or four major tournaments he has taken charge of – World Cups and European Championships – that Southgate has led England to the semi-finals or beyond.
Southgate, whose contract expires in December, had indicated before the 2024 European Championship that he might quit his post if he did not lead England to the title in Germany.
When asked how difficult it would be for him to give up if he actually won England’s first men’s trophy since the 1966 World Cup, Southgate told Sky News: “Nothing is that difficult.”
“But emotionally it would be impossible for me to make a logical decision in this regard at the moment, as my only focus for the past two years has been to win this tournament.
“The last five or six weeks have been a rollercoaster ride, so I don’t really know where I stand, other than that I’m fully focused on preparing the team for this game and determined to continue to lead them like I have over the last month.”
“I definitely took the job to try and improve English football.
“I know what this victory would mean not only to the English public but especially to the people involved in English football – from those who develop young players to those who run clubs at all levels of the game.”
“I really believe we have improved the credibility of English football in the perception of the world.
“But ultimately, until we win the cup, there will always be questions abroad and at home about what we have done.”
Southgate says England are in a “different moment” to when they lost the Euro 2020 final and it now feels “a bit more normal” to be back at this stage of a major competition.
“It’s a different feeling (than 2021),” Southgate said. “We’re in a different phase as a team now, with two tournaments behind us and a lot more experience in big games.”
“I guess there was less reason to celebrate, maybe less satisfaction in reaching the final.
“I wouldn’t say it’s becoming the norm, but for us it’s a little more normal. That statement in itself is probably a little ridiculous given our history.”