England exited Euro 2024 in the final, losing to Spain in a disappointing defeat at the final hurdle once again.
Gareth Southgate picked his England squad and kickstarted a fourth major tournament as head coach.
In that time he oversaw two World Cups, with runs to the quarter-finals and semi-finals, and one European Championship – reaching the final but losing out to Italy.
The Three Lions were hopeful of going one step further this time, ending a wait for a trophy that’s lasted nearly 60 years.
There were mixed reactions throughout Euro 2024 as the side struggled to find their top gear in key matches.
Tough displays against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia brought about frustrated reactions from the supporters and squad alike.
Some magic was required to avoid an exit in the round of 16 at the hands of Slovakia, before a penalty shootout victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Hopes grew with a 2-1 win against the Netherlands, but England’s run came to an end at the hands of Spain.
In the aftermath of defeat, plenty has been questioned over the future of Gareth Southgate as England boss.
So with that said, here’s a look at what some football pundits are saying about the England coach.
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Gareth Southgate on his England future
Perhaps the best person to hear from in regards to Southgate’s future is the man himself, who discussed it ahead of the tournament.
Speaking to Sky News, the head coach revealed he was fully focused on the Euros, adding: “If we can do that [win the tournament], maybe I’ll retire and do nothing anyway.”
Since then, talking to the BBC after defeat in the final, Southgate added: “Now is not the time for me to speak about that [his future].
“I need to talk to the right people and give myself a bit of time. To get to another final… it was a privilege to have the opportunity. But to come up short is hard at the moment.”
Harry Kane backs Gareth Southgate
England captain Harry Kane has backed his manager during the tournament, claiming he was the right person for the job ahead of the clash with Slovenia.
He told the press: “Being England manager is a really difficult job, he knows that and we know that. But he’s absolutely the right man for the job.
“There are always going to be people who criticise or doubt him but his record speaks for itself – it’s really successful with us.
“But like all of us he’s determined to take that next step and win it and that’s what we’re all really determined to do.
“He’ll do what’s best for the nation and make the decision that is best for the team. All I will say is get behind him and support him as the players do.”
Gary Lineker on Gareth Southgate exit
Following defeat in the final of Euro 2024, former England star Gary Lineker has urged the national team to move on from Southgate.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, he said: “I think he’s been the right person to bring the nation together in terms of the football team.
“And now, maybe, it’s time for someone else with a more modern, attacking style of football. Because I think the game’s gone away from being successful if you’re really defensive.”
Lineker then went on to suggest that Jurgen Klopp would be an ideal successor for the England job.
Rio Ferdinand questions Southgate
Another former England star, Rio Ferdinand, has questioned the future of Southgate and has claimed some big decisions have to be made over the head coach this summer.
Speaking on the BBC’s coverage of the final, the ex-defender said: “You have to look at what talent pool we have and I don’t feel like we are putting them in the best position possible.
“I think the manager has to take some stick for that. The FA have got a big decision to make.”
- READ MORE: English national media deliver verdicts on Arsenal star Bukayo Saka’s display in the Euro 2024 final
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Southgate backed for England stay by Jamie Carragher
While many have asked for change at the helm of English football, Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher has come out in defence of Southgate after Euro 2024.
Writing in his piece for the Telegraph, the defender-turned-pundit said: “Gareth Southgate remains the right man to lead the country to the 2026 World Cup.
“He should not be scapegoated for the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
“He led the country to another final where they were deservedly beaten by a superior side, but there is no way his selections or in-game decisions were the decisive factor on Sunday night.
“My belief going into the game was Southgate had to stay, win or lose.”
Ian Wright on Southgate’s future
Another previous England forward has called for Southgate to stay, as Ian Wright claimed before the final that there isn’t a natural successor to the head coach.
“It comes down to what he wants to do, but I would not move Gareth Southgate on because a natural replacement doesn’t come straight to mind,” Wright said on the Stick to Football show.
“What he’s done for the team and the country, everything he’s done with that squad up until this point.
“Why are we trying to bring something else in, when it’s not naturally there?
“If he does leave, it’s probably for his sake, because you cannot fault him, especially if we win.
“We haven’t got a natural replacement, no one comes to mind.
“If I was Gareth and I won it, I’d be thinking ‘Do I really need to go through all that?’ The first couple of games, we were still top of the group and people wanted Gareth out.”
The verdict
It appears as though many are still torn as to whether Southgate should continue in his role as England’s head coach after Euro 2024.
Many are craving for that elusive trophy, with a talent pool capable of playing exciting football and winning tournaments at the same time.
However, in years gone by, that hasn’t always been enough for the national team to go ahead and win.
Southgate has one of the best records of any England manager and his ability to get the side deep into tournaments has perhaps been overshadowed by loftier heights.
It’s a stick-or-twist moment for the FA, one that is crucial for the future of the team in one way or another.