England manager Gareth Southgate has expressed that the upcoming European Championship in Germany could be his final opportunity to secure a significant trophy for the nation, as he has been at the helm of the Three Lions since 2016. The 53-year-old tactician steered England to the Euro 2020 final and also achieved a third-place finish in the Nations League in 2019. Southgate, previously a coach at Middlesbrough, has been rumored to be a candidate for Manchester United, but he has previously affirmed his complete dedication to the national team. His contract with England is set to conclude in December. Southgate shared with German newspaper BILD, 'If we don't win, I probably won't be here anymore. Then it might be the last chance.' He added, 'I think about half the national team coaches leave after a tournament — that's the nature of international football.' Southgate reflected on his tenure, stating, 'I've been here for almost eight years now and we've been close. So I know that you can't keep standing in front of the public and saying, 'A little bit more please', because at some point, people lose faith in your message.' He concluded with determination, 'If we want to be a great team and I want to be a top coach, then you have to deliver in the big moments.' England commences their Group C journey against Serbia on Sunday, with subsequent matches against Denmark and Slovenia.
Text: Lara Palmer
11.06.2024
England Manager Reflects on Potential Final Opportunity to Win Major Trophy in Germany