Gareth Southgate has admitted he feels 'conflicted' about whether to remain as England manager, citing the emotional toll of the past 18 months. The 52-year-old is still reeling from Saturday's World Cup quarter-final defeat to France, but insists he is proud of his team's performance.
Southgate, who is under contract with the Football Association until December 2024, has long been expected to consider his position after the tournament in Qatar. He has spoken of enjoying the finals, but acknowledged that other recent experiences—including the fallout from the Euro 2020 final defeat and a hostile reception at Molineux in June—have taken their toll.
'I've found large parts of the last 18 months difficult,' Southgate said. 'What's been said and what's been written. The night at Wolves. There's lots of things in my head that's really conflicted at the moment.' He stressed that any decision would be made only after he has had time to clear his head, and that he wants to ensure he has the energy to continue if he chooses to stay.
The FA is understood to be keen for Southgate to remain, having been impressed by his transformation of the squad since he took over in 2016. Players are also supportive. However, Southgate indicated he needs at least a few days before even beginning to think about his future, and will sit down with FA officials to discuss matters logically, as he has done after previous tournaments.
When asked how long it would take to get over this World Cup, Southgate replied: 'I don't think I have got over the last one [Euro 2020].' He added that the team had restored credibility over the past three tournaments, but acknowledged the ultimate goal of winning remains unfulfilled.
