The English Football Association (FA) has made a significant decision regarding the future of national team manager Gareth Southgate, opting to retain him regardless of the outcome in the upcoming Euro 2024 final against Spain. According to multiple sources, including the British Telegraph and Daily Mirror, the FA is planning to extend Southgate’s contract until at least the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.This decision comes on the heels of Southgate’s impressive track record, having led England to two consecutive European Championship finals, a World Cup semi-final, and a World Cup quarter-final. Mark Bullingham, the FA’s chief executive, is expected to hold talks with Southgate after the tournament to discuss his future. Despite occasional criticism from media and fans, Southgate has maintained strong support from his players, with one stating, ‘We’ll die for each other out there. We’ll do anything to protect this manager, to protect each other’.Meanwhile, Spain’s performance throughout Euro 2024 has been widely praised, with some calling them the ‘clear winner’ of the tournament regardless of the final result. Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente has been credited with bringing ‘joy, talent, and freshness’ to the team, winning six consecutive games in the European Championship. Former footballer and coach Valery Gladilin remarked, ‘Throughout the tournament, they are the only team that tries to play football, delight the fans, and achieve results’.As both teams prepare for the final, the tension is mounting. Spain’s Dani Olmo, who has scored in all three of Spain’s knockout games, dismissed the threat posed by England’s Jude Bellingham, stating he’s not afraid of the English midfielder. This statement adds to the growing anticipation for what promises to be an exciting clash between two in-form teams.
Key points
- The FA plans to retain Gareth Southgate as England manager regardless of the Euro 2024 final outcome.
- Spain’s performance in Euro 2024 has been widely praised, with some calling them the ‘clear winner’ of the tournament.
- Tensions are rising between England and Spain players ahead of the final, with Dani Olmo dismissing Jude Bellingham’s threat.
Contradictions👾While most sources report the FA’s decision to retain Southgate as definitive, the Daily Express suggests it’s still under consideration, stating ‘England has reportedly made a decision on Gareth Southgate’s potential exit’.
