Gareth Southgate has expressed that he feels “completely comfortable” with his future amidst ongoing speculation connecting him to the managerial position at Manchester United following Euro 2024. The England manager’s composed demeanor comes despite uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s role at United. Southgate has firmly denied any possibility of discussions with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS management before the European Championship, emphasizing his commitment to his current responsibilities.
It has been reported that Southgate is highly regarded by the new leadership at Old Trafford, making him a strong contender to potentially replace Ten Hag. However, Southgate, who is 58 years old, remains dedicated to leading the England national team. Under his guidance, England is seen as a strong favorite for Euro 2024, featuring star players such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Declan Rice. These athletes understand that this tournament might represent Southgate’s final chance to secure a major international trophy.
Southgate’s contract with the England team is set to expire this year, adding to the speculation about his future. Despite this, the Football Association (FA) is expected to seek a renewal of his contract regardless of the outcome of the tournament. While the idea of returning to club management remains a possibility, Southgate is currently focused on the immediate task at hand.
In a reflective interview with GQ, Southgate shared his perspective on his career trajectory: “When I was 23 as a player, I would have been worried about that. When I was 37 and a young manager, I would have been concerned about it. But I’m 53 now and quite comfortable about it, since life will continue on whatever,” he explained, according to the Express via GQ. He elaborated, “I don’t think it would be appropriate to make a decision before a competition. I remember Fabio (Capello) signing a new deal before the 2010 World Cup, and everyone questioned it. He should be proving himself during the competition. If I were two years into the job, I might feel differently. But after eight years, my focus is on one thing: how can I get this squad to win?”
Given the current scenario, it appears less likely that Southgate will move to Manchester United, particularly as INEOS may not wait until after the Euros if they decide to replace Ten Hag, whose future is expected to be determined shortly. Southgate’s primary focus remains on steering England to success at Euro 2024, with an acute awareness that any triumph would be a culmination of their meticulous preparation, including aspects like nutrition.
“Meals are crucial,” Southgate noted. “They recharge you and are also sociable. It’s like with my kids: anytime I’m with them, I want to eat as much as possible because that’s where you really get to see how they’re doing. That said, if you’ve ever gone on a family vacation for any length of time, there are a lot of people who may get on each other’s nerves after a while, so we are aware of that.”
In summary, while rumors and speculations about Southgate’s future abound, he remains resolutely focused on the upcoming European Championship. His experience, calmness, and dedication to the England team suggest that his immediate concern is not the potential opportunities at club level but rather achieving success with his national squad. This unwavering focus may ultimately define his legacy, whether he chooses to continue with England or eventually return to club management.