Gareth Southgate avoided doubts over his future in England after the Three Lions lost 2-1 to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
The England coach, who for the second consecutive time Euros saw his team fall at the final hurdle, was asked in a post-match press conference whether he would take the team to the next World Cup in 2026.
But he said he wanted to discuss his future with FA chiefs privately before announcing whether or not he would stay.
“It’s difficult to reflect so little after a defeat like this,” he said.
“Taking England to two finals has never been done [in the men’s game].
“But we came here to win and we weren’t able to do that.”
Asked about his reflections on the tournament, he added: “The team made the country proud.
“They reached their first final outside of England. A second final in two tournaments is really incredible.
“They have played 14 games in the last two European Championships and we lost in the last five minutes of the 14th game. We were only defeated on penalties during that period.
“But right now I have to say mentally that none of that matters because we had the opportunity to win and we weren’t able to take it.”
‘We are all suffering’
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham, who will be tasked with finding a successor if Southgate leaves, said everyone at the FA was “grieved” by the defeat – but praised the team’s “huge commitment”.
“We came to Germany to win the tournament and we didn’t want it to end this way,” he said.
“We are all suffering tonight, but we should be extremely proud. I would like to thank Gareth, Steve (Holland, assistant coach), all the players and the support team for their huge commitment and hard work in trying to win the trophy. For the country.
“They will be more disappointed than anyone that they fall short.”
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Heartbreak for England as Spain wins Euro 2024 final
‘We faced a better team’ – fans devastated
Fans were divided South gatethe future.
Preethi Rai, 38, from London, said: “I think Gareth Southgate deserves some credit because I think he’s worked so hard and is so passionate about England.”
She added: “He galvanized the team, he has a lot of experience being a player, being a coach, working as a team – I just want his legacy to be positive, even if he didn’t win.
“He will make things easier for the next manager in charge because England are up there – England are competitive.”
English fans react at BOXPark Wembley, in London. Photo: PA
Jordan Davies, 30, from Newcastle, said: “I think he should stay. You did really well mate, you did fantastic. Thank you so much, keep it up.”
But Cameron Dodds, 26, from Wallsend, believed it was time for Southgate to go.
He said: “He was lucky (to reach the final). Against big teams like France, Germany or Spain, he would never survive.”
Cash Rigg, 24, also from Wallsend, agreed Southgate should move on.
When Cole Palmer scored he said it was like “adrenaline in my veins”, adding: “I thought it was written in the stars – unfortunately it didn’t happen.”
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
