Gareth Southgate has said he is still undecided about his England future after the Three Lions slumped to a painful Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain.
The 53-year-old is statistically one of the country’s greatest ever managers but has not been able to win a trophy with the team over his eight years at the helm.
Southgate is popular among the players, with Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford among the stars to have urged the manager not to quit ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
After the loss, Southgate told the media that players had “done the country proud” but admitted the physical toll of the tournament was a factor as Spain dominated possession.
He also refused to be drawn on whether this would be his final act as boss.
“I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that,” Southgate told ITV.
“I’ve got to talk to the right people. It’s just not for now.”
Whatever he decides, it has already been an incredible ride for the former defender who was never meant to have the job in the first place.
Southgate only inherited the role, initially on an interim basis, when Sam Allerdyce acrimoniously left after only one match in 2016.
Here is how his record compares.
Top 5 England managers for number of games managed
5. Sven-Goran Eriksson – 67 games
The Swede was the first foreign manager of England and notched up 67 games at the helm between 2001 and 2006.
He oversaw qualification for three tournaments and will always have the famous 5-1 win against Germany to his name.
However, the former Lazio manager was criticised for never getting beyond a quarterfinal with a team that included some of England’s best ever players.
4. Sir Bobby Robson – 95 games
After failing to qualify for Euro 84, Sir Bobby turned England’s fortunes around by leading the team to the quarterfinal at the 1986 World Cup and then the semis in 1990.
Considered one of England’s best, the late manager was able to get the best out of a team that included Peter Shilton, Paul Gascoigne, and Gary Lineker.
The legendary coach went on to manage Barcelona and Newcastle United.
3. Gareth Southgate – 101 games
Having suffered penalty heartbreak as a player at Euro 1996, the former defender was keen to bring positivity and a focus on mental wellness to his squad.
Southgate led England to fourth place at the 2018 World Cup and then the final in 2020 – missing out on penalties once more.
It remains to be seen if he will add to his 101 games in charge.
2. Sir Alf Ramsey - 113 games
A legend for leading England to 1966 World Cup glory, Sir Alf also oversaw the 1970 tournament as well as Euro 1968 and ’72.
He had a quiet career after leaving the job, having failed to lead England to the 1974 World Cup. Sir Alf died in 1999. Like Sir Bobby, he also managed Ipswich Town before taking over at England. What are the odds on the Tractor Boys’ Kieran McKenna taking over from Southgate?
1. Walter Winterbottom – 139 games
Surprisingly not a household name, Winterbottom was England’s first manager and is still the longest serving.
He was in command from 1946 to 1962 and is the only boss to have been in charge for four world cups.
A Manchester United player at club level, Winterbottom passed on the national job to Sir Alf and died in 2002.
