England manager Gareth Southgate has spoken candidly about his future in the wake of his side’s Euro 2020 defeat last night.
With the world watching at Wembley, England couldn’t quite get over the finish line against Italy in the final and suffered the agony of a penalty shootout defeat. It’s a familiar feeling for supporters of the Three Lions and, unfortunately, it’s become a big part of their story across multiple international tournaments.
Southgate you’re the one
The aim now will be to regroup and gear up for the World Cup qualifiers because the alternative of dwelling on such a loss for too long is just unproductive.
After the match, Gareth Southgate was asked about his future as the gaffer and where England go from here.
“As I sit here today, I would want to be taking the team to Qatar,” he said via BBC Sport.
“We of course have to qualify for Qatar. I need some time to watch last night’s game again, to reflect on the tournament.
“I need a rest. It’s an amazing experience to lead your country in these tournaments, but it takes its toll.”
“There’s a lot to think through,” he added. “I feel we’ve made progress over four years. A lot of things we’ve done right and we know this team isn’t at its peak yet.
“When you’re in sport and you get to finals, those opportunities are so rare, so to be close, it’s very hard the day after. You have given everything – the emotions are drained.
“We will go again. It’s too easy to say we can go to the World Cup in Qatar and win – that’s a bit glib. We still have to qualify. You have to start the cycle again.
“But to be able to work with these players every day has been fantastic, so when it comes to the end like it has now, it’s hard.”
The 2022 World Cup begins next year, commencing November 21 in Qatar.
Featured image credit: Getty
