Gareth Southgate’s current England contract ends in December 2024 and it is not clear whether or not his deal would be extended with England shifting focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.
Under the former Aston Villa player, England have the reached semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, lost two Euro finals, and finished 3rd in the maiden UEFA Nations League in 2018/19.
England’s next game is against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin in the Nations League on 7 September.
The September, October and November international double-headers are reserved for Nations League games.
However, the European zone of the 2026 World Cup qualification does not start until March 2025. If both the FA and Southgate want to extend the latter’s deal, then there is a good reason why the future of the Three Lions boss must be confirmed sooner rather than later.
Speaking to BBC about the Southgate decision, former Everton midfielder Leon Osman (433 apps, 57 goals) said:
“Yes I do [think Gareth Southgate will stay as England manager]. I want him to. I know it’s been frustrating and I know we have had our moments where we all think we should have done this differently.
But he is the man in charge, he is the man who despite performances in this particular tournament, we’ve been to two finals. So yes…force him to keep the job.”
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