England’s Southgate says Euro 2024 could signal the end

Gareth Southgate has admitted the European Championship could be his final act as England manager.

Southgate’s contract expires after the Euros, which kick off on Friday when hosts Germany play Scotland.

The England boss said it could be his final tournament unless he ends the nation’s search for a first major trophy since the World Cup in 1966.

“If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here anymore,” Southgate told German newspaper Bild.

“Then it might be the last chance. About half of the national coaches leave after a tournament – that’s the nature of international football.”

Under Southgate, England reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018 – when they lost to Croatia – and were a finalist at the last Euros in 2021 where they lost to Italy in a penalty shootout.

They were eliminated from the World Cup in 2022 at the quarter-final stage by France.

“I’ve been here for almost eight years now and we’ve come close,” Southgate, 53, said.

“(But) you can’t keep standing in front of the public and saying, ‘Please do a little more’. At some point people will lose faith in your message.

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

The former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender has been touted as a potential candidate for the Manchester United job if Erik ten Hag is fired during the off-season.