Gareth Southgate has revealed that his family convinced him to stay on as England manager as he debated his future after the World Cup. Southgate was upset by fierce criticism of England’s woeful performance in the Nations League ahead of the World Cup in Qatar. The 52-year-old was still considering walking out after England’s 2-1 defeat to France in the World Cup quarter-finals in December. But Southgate pondered his options for a week before announcing he would see a contract running until December 2024.
“There was negativity about being in charge and the last thing I wanted was that to be the overarching feeling in a World Cup when you need the fans and everyone behind the team,” he told ITV News on Thursday.
“You need that energy, you need that sense of togetherness. And if the debate was just about finding fault with what we were doing so I get to the end, that would have been really hard for the team.” performing at their best.”
Southgate said his family’s support was key to his decision to extend England’s reign, which began in 2016.
“They left Doha saying you have to give this one more chance to get this trophy,” he said.
The disappointment of England’s miserable Nations League campaign was quickly forgotten in the World Cup, as Southgate’s side thrashed Iran and Wales in the group stage.
A 3–0 win over Senegal in the last 16 set up a quarter-final against France, with England condemned to narrow defeat when Harry Kane fired a late penalty over the crossbar.
Southgate led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the 2021 European Championship final, but he says his players finally believe they can win a big trophy after pushing France to their limits.
“The performance against France showed the players if they didn’t believe it before, and I still wonder if they actually believed that before the game, but when they come off the field they know this is a game they could win and should have won.’ said Southgate.
Southgate’s attention is now focused on qualifying for Euro 2024, with England drawing in Group C against Italy, Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta.
“I have a job with a chance to make some history and I have the privilege of leading the national team,” he said.
“It’s been an incredible experience. I think we’ve made progress with the team over the years we’ve been in charge and I’m determined to try and give the team that next step.
“I think we’re in a different landscape now to any previous England team, I think, because of the success we’ve had. In our opinion, winning is probably the only thing that will fulfill us.”
(This story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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