Gareth Southgate has made it abundantly clear that he is ready to step down as manager of the England soccer team.
Southgate acknowledged that the harsh criticism of the past 18 months, especially the divisive night at Molineux when English fans demanded his ouster, still haunts him.
To complete his contract, which expires in 2024, and guide England to the next European Championship, Football Association officials are pleading with Southgate to stay on.
But despite having the full backing of the players and a spectacular World Cup run, Southgate may decide to resign due to the criticism he endured during last summer’s Nations League season, which included a defeat by 4-0 against Hungary.
What did Southgate say?
“Look, a lot of the last 18 months has been difficult for me,” admitted England manager Southgate. I still like the way things have been for the last 18 months, despite everything I’ve enjoyed in the past few weeks.
In light of what has been said and published, the night at Wolves left me with a lot of rather mixed thoughts. I want to make sure if that’s the right thing to say, that I have the energy to do it.
I don’t want to look back on four or five months and feel like I made the wrong decision. It’s too crucial for anyone to get it wrong.
After France’s defeat, Southgate was publicly pressured by some players including Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham to remain in charge.
But Southgate has made no secret of the fact that the 18 months since Euro have been extremely stressful for him and his family, and that he is looking for another role in club football.
The FA will await a response in the coming weeks as England have three months before the start of Euro qualifiers.
Who can take over after Southgate?
Although Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino have been mentioned in connection with the job, the FA want to keep Southgate and would like a manager who has emerged from the St. George’s Park system.
Southgate continued: “My emotions have been hard to think straight over the next few weeks as I’ve been through the last few tournaments. You’re thinking about so much, and it took so much energy.”
“I want to make the best decision possible because it has to be the best option to go again or the best option not to go again, and I don’t think that decision should be made immediately. Actually, neither are the next few days.
