GARETH Southgate will continue as England manager and lead the team to the 2024 European Championship, the Football Association confirmed today.
The 52-year-old former England defender steered the Three Lions to the quarter-finals of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where they were beaten 2-1 by defending champions France, and there were reports he could quit the job, although he had, in November last year, signed a new contract through to the end of 2024.
“We are delighted to confirm that Gareth Southgate is continuing as England manager, and will lead our Euro 2024 campaign,” FA Chief Executive Officer Mark Bullingham said in a statement issued today.
“Gareth and (assistant manager) Steve Holland have always had our full support, and our planning for the Euros starts now.”
Southgate, who previously coached Middlesbrough and England’s Under-21s, was appointed Three Lions manager in 2016 after Sam Allardyce’s sacking.
His tenure began during a difficult period for England, coming in the aftermath of their shock Euro 2016 exit at the hands of Iceland.
Southgate has been able to improve the fortunes of the team, leading them to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, their first time since 1990.
He then led them to the final of the Euro 2020 tournament last year.
The run to the final, where England lost on penalties to Italy in July 2021, was the first time they had gone past the semi-finals of a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup.
However, the last few months have been tough for Southgate, with England being relegated to the second tier of the UEFA Nations League earlier this year following a six-match winless run and five games without a goal from open play.
