Gareth Southgate: 'I do not want to outstay my welcome as England manager'
Gareth Southgate does not know if he will continue as England manager beyond the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Three Lions boss, who saw his side lose the Euro 2020 final on penalties on Sunday night, says he needs to time to reflect following the conclusion of the tournament.
Luke Shaw gave England the lead early on but Leonardo Bonucci equalised in the second half, taking the game to extra-time and a shootout.
The former Middlesbrough manager has a contract running until the culmination of next year's tournament.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham says he would like Southgate to sign an extension to his current deal.
Southgate on his future
“I don’t think now is an appropriate time to think about anything," Southgate said in a press conference on Monday.
“We have got to qualify for Qatar but I need some time to go away and watch the game and reflect on the whole tournament, I need a rest.
“It is an amazing experience but to lead your country in these tournaments takes it toll and I need a break now.”
Although he will not commit to anything further than the next major tournament, Southgate says he wants to be in charge in Qatar.
“I said at the time it is great to have that internal support, you greatly value that as a manager.
“I don’t want to commit to anything longer than I should and I don’t want to outstay my welcome so all of those things need consideration.
“I want to take the team to Qatar, I feel we have made progress over the four years, we have had a fourth, a third and a second-placed finish and that is as good as anyone.”
'We got fans believing again': Former England player Paul Ince says Euro 2020 team will 'grow'
Southgate slams 'unforgivable' racist abuse aimed at England players after Euros
Southgate on moving forward as a team
As proved throughout the tournament, England have an impressive squad consisting of young players, who will take the men's team forward after reaching the first major final since 1966.
“I know in time we will have an appreciation of that and I know the messages we are getting underline that,” he said.
“But when you are in sport and you get to a final you know those opportunities are rare and to be so close and to know what that has taken and know you have to pick up and go again, that is very hard the day after.
“We will go again of course.”
Southgate on learning from past failings
At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, England lost in the semi-finals in Russia, something the players learned plenty from to bring into Euro 2020 and Sunday's defeat will be another learning curve for those involved.
“Russia was the beginning, we had seven in the starting team from Russia and that experience has been critical through the big matches in this tournament,” he said.
“So to add the young players in at the time we did, there is another group with more learning and understanding.
“Because of what they have been though in these two tournaments they will have a belief that they can get close. The cycle and the expectation of the group will know what’s needed to get to the level to get to win and that should be a process that stands us in good stead.”
Southgate on players who missed
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all missed from the spot in the shootout and will be supported by England and and their clubs to get over the disappointment.
The three players have all been subjected to racist abuse online, which has been widely condemned.
“We’ve got to make sure that we’re there, and aligned with their club, and making sure that we look after those boys, absolutely.”
Southgate discusses the abuse received by members of the England squad
Southgate added: “We heal together as a team now, and we’re there for them, and I know that 99 per cent of the public will be as well.
“Bukayo in particular has been an absolute star in this tournament, incredible maturity and the way he has played has brought a smile to so many people’s faces. He’s become such a popular member of the group and I know he has got everybody’s support.”
Southgate on 'being too nice' to win
The England manager was asked if his team did not have the ruthless nature required to win major tournaments.
“I don’t see that really, we got to a final for the first time in 55 years,” he said. “I am not really sure…you’re not a nice team to get to a final.
“We have overcome a lot of hurdles that we have been unable to in the past.
“If we had been torn apart or been a mess then I might look at it differently. It is easy to throw theories around at the end of any tournament, but it is important to analyse correctly when you are a coach, I don’t want to go along with theories that I don’t think are correct.”