Is Southgate leaving England after Euros? Latest on Three Lions boss’ future

Gareth Southgate could be set to take charge of his last game as England manager in the Euro 2024 final.

The Three Lions boss will oversee his second straight Euros final as his side face Spain in Berlin on Sunday, live on talkSPORT.

After reaching the semi-finals and quarter-finals at the World Cup as well as now another final appearance at the Euros – four years on from their runners-up effort, Southgate’s record is impressive. 

However, there is one thing missing from his reign – silverware. 

Defeat to Spain would mean another painful failed attempt to win an international trophy but victory would immortalise the squad.

There has been huge debate over Southgate’s future throughout the tournament and depending on how the final turns out, this could well be his farewell game…

Is Southgate leaving England after Euro 2024?

Southgate will take his time before deciding his England future, talkSPORT understands.

The FA are keen for the 53-year-old to stay on regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.

And they want him to sign a new contract to stay as Three Lions boss.

But sources close to the England camp are not expecting Southgate to make any knee-jerk judgement on whether to stay or go.

His current contract expires in December 2024, and he declined the FA’s offer to sign an extension ahead of the tournament amid fears it could cause a distraction to his players.

Southgate was also open about his future when speaking before things kicked off in Germany.

“If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here any more,” he told the German newspaper Bild.

“So maybe it is the last chance. I think around half the national coaches leave after a tournament — that’s the nature of international football.

“I’ve been here almost eight years now and we’ve come close. You can’t constantly put yourself in front of the public and say, ‘A little more please’, as at some point people lose faith.

“If we want to be a great team and I want to be a top coach, you must deliver in big moments.”

Southgate later conceded that even tournament success could signal the end for him to serve the perfect goodbye.

On winning Euro 2024, he told Sky News: “If we can do that, maybe I’ll retire and do nothing anyway.”

Now, he’s on the brink of becoming an English icon and even being knighted, with his side one win away from glory.

Southgate has faced criticism throughout the tournament, however, he has stepped up under the pressure and masterminded another successful major tournament run.

If England do go on the win Euro 2024, which will be their first international trophy since 1966, he may stay on in his role.

And that means could still be in charge for the 2026 World Cup.

But if they miss out in the showpiece again, there is likely to be a change.

The FA’s shortlist of potential replacements includes Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and under-21 boss Lee Carsley, but there have not been talks with any candidate.

talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of the Euro 2024 final on Sunday as England bid to make history against Spain. Tune in via the website or the app, and follow our live Euro 2024 blog for all the build-up.