‘I never want to outstay my welcome’: Gareth Southgate confirms he will STAY as England manager for the 2022 World Cup… but won’t commit to the job beyond Qatar finals in 18 months
Gareth Southgate says he will stay in his role as England manager for the 2022 World Cup but insisted he needs time to reflect before commiting to a new contract.
Southgate and his players suffered heartbreak at Wembley as they were beaten by Italy on penalties in the final of Euro 2020 on Sunday.
The FA want to hand the 50-year-old a new deal after leading the Three Lions to their first major final in 55 years following a World Cup semi-final appearance in 2018.
Gareth Southgate says he will stay in his role as England manager for the 2022 World Cup
Southgate and his players suffered heartbreak at Wembley as they were beaten by Italy on penalties in the final of Euro 2020
But speaking after England’s defeat, Southgate insisted now is not the time to be thinking about his future beyond next year’s tournament in Qatar.
‘I don’t think now is an appropriate time to think about anything,’ he said.
‘We have got to qualify for Qatar but I need some time to go away and watch the game and reflect on the whole tournament, I need a rest.
‘It is an amazing experience but to lead your country in these tournaments takes it toll and I need a break now.
‘I said at the time it is great to have that internal support, you greatly value that as a manager.
‘I don’t want to commit to anything longer than I should and I don’t want to outstay my welcome so all of those things need consideration.
‘I want to take the team to Qatar, I feel we have made progress over the four years, we have had a fourth, a third and a second-placed finish and that is as good as anyone.’
The manager made reference to the heartbreak France suffered when they were beaten on home turf in the final of Euro 2016. Didier Deschamps’ side went on to win the World Cup two years later and Southgate said experiencing defeat can be something that inspires teams.
‘Most teams that win, France went through what we’re feeling now in 2016. Spain did it before they won. It’s normally part of the process you have to go to.
‘The fact we’ve had the first signs of some consistency – semi-final, final – that has to be the right direction.
‘When you get so close it’s more painful of course. It feels like my stomach’s been ripped out this morning. But I know that is the process we have to go through, and England have to keep that track going, whoever’s here, whoever’s at the FA. ‘