Euro 2024: Southgate Poised to Lead England Through 2026 FIFA World Cup, Reports Say

England manager Gareth Southgate has experienced a mix of reactions at Euro 2024, as the team faced a challenging path before reaching the tournament’s final. Despite initial speculation about his potential dismissal, reports on Friday (July 12) indicate that the English Football Association (FA) is considering retaining Southgate until the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Even a loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday is unlikely to alter the FA’s decision, as they aim to keep him for another couple of years.

Southgate to Remain as Manager?
Gareth Southgate, having overseen one of the most successful periods in England’s history, is expected to remain as manager until the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite fans’ criticisms of his playing style and some frustrations during Euro 2024, the FA’s support for him appears unwavering. Southgate is likely to extend his contract through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which would mark an eight-year tenure since he took over in 2016 following Sam Allardyce’s brief stint.

Under Southgate’s leadership, England reached the semifinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, where they lost to Italy on penalties. He now has a significant opportunity to secure his first trophy when England faces Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday.

Should England triumph over Spain, Southgate will become only the second manager in the country’s history to win a major men’s senior trophy, joining Sir Alf Ramsey, who led England to victory in the 1966 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, Southgate has already made history as the first England manager to reach two major finals.