England want Gareth Southgate to remain as manager regardless of the result in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.
Despite a series of underwhelming performances, the Three Lions have scraped and clawed their way into a first ever major tournament final on foreign soil.
Southgate will, of course, be desperate to go one better than three years ago when England were agonisingly beaten on penalties by Italy at Wembley.
Spain will start as strong and justifiable favourites in Berlin, but England’s powers of recovery are likely to stand them in good stead.
Despite having encountered heavy criticism throughout the early stages of the tournament, The Football Association has never wavered from its belief that Southgate is the right man to lead the national team going forwards.
The 53-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the calendar year and talks had been planned to discuss a potential extension.
Southgate has kept his intentions a closely guarded secret but another superb tournament has strengthened his hand and his employers are desperate to retain his services ahead of the next World Cup.
Before his future is resolved, Southgate’s entire focus will centre on toppling a Spain side who have swept all before them en route to the final.
They would be rightly favourites for what they have done this tournament,” the England boss said. ‘They have been the best team.
‘They have got a day longer and in the last three finals, maybe more, it has been quite significant, so we have got to get our recovery spot on.
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‘Tactically we will have to be perfect as they are such a good side. But, you know, we are here.
‘And it is a game we can prepare for so no matter what the players have shown, the togetherness and the spirit.
‘Ollie being ready for his moment. He has trained like that the whole tournament and his head has never dropped. They have all been ready.
‘It is so powerful for them as a group when the subs keep coming on and having the impact that they do.
‘And there are all moments of them being the headline writer and making the difference and that is really powerful.’
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