Spain are the champions of Europe! Moments ago, La Roja defeated England 2-1 to win the UEFA Euro 2024. Despite giving their all by reaching the last stage of the tournament while facing a lot of criticism, the Three Lions failed to hold themselves apart while taking the final step. But as the word of their defeat spreads around the globe, the focus shifts toward Gareth Southgate, whose future remains uncertain as many are eager to know whether England will sack him over the latest disappointment.

This is the second consecutive time England reached the final stage and flew back home without the prestigious trophy, having lost the previous edition’s final against Italy. Now, all eyes are on Southgate, as many would raise fingers at him for the poor loss. Interestingly, a report came earlier that irrespective of the European outcome, England will retain Gareth Southgate. There was apparently never a possibility that the 53-year-old would have been sacked by the English FA.

The manager’s efforts in the European competition so far have been highly regarded by many within the federation. That’s not all as England is still open to keeping Gareth for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, it seems the English tactician will himself leave the job. Earlier, in an interview with a German newspaper, Southgate shockingly asserted, “If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here anymore.”

This sentence is enough to suggest that Southgate may announce his decision to step down as the England manager in the coming days. Of course, his decision shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering the pressure remains in the Three Lions job. Past failures are also one of the reasons to consider. While it looks like Southgate will leave, we can’t forget the possibility of England convincing him to stay as well, in hopes of things getting better for the next World Cup.

Can England give Southgate another chance with the 2026 World Cup on target?

Many would argue that it’s time England should start looking someplace else for a new manager. However, there’s a reason why that won’t guarantee them success in 2026. No one knows this squad better than Gareth Southgate at the moment. Sure, a new manager may carefully select his chess pieces and prepare a strong roster. Yet, again, no one can deny the fact that two years aren’t enough to go big in a tournament like the World Cup. If that’s the excuse any next potential manager is already looking to make!

The biggest advantage of England with them at the moment is that with a little more improvement, Southgate may surprise everyone in 2026. After all, it’s safe to say that now he has the perfect squad to choose from. Yet again, similar faith was shown in him when England lost the Euro finals to Italy and were knocked out of the 2022 WC as well. Hence, it’s certainly an ethical conundrum for England. But we feel that it’s likely the Euro runner-ups will take the call themselves. Before them, Gareth Southgate will hand over his resignation.