England’s boss Gareth Southgate said he will take a call on his future after meeting important people behind the scenes and the decision is not for now after the Three Lions suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss in the Euro 2024 final against Spain.
Southgate led England to back to back Euro finals but the team could not cross the last hurdle as they became the first team to lose consecutive Euro finals.
Meanwhile, Nico Williams, who has impressed one and all with his agility, scored in the 47th minute to put Luis de la Fuente’s team in front. However, England was able to bounce back with substitute Cole Palmer scoring in the 73rd minute with a well timed strike. But England’s hearts broke when Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winner in the 86th minute.
Asked about his future, Southgate told ITV: “I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that. I need to talk to the right people. It’s not for now.”
Pushed further on the situation in his post-match news conference, Southgate said: “Look, I totally understand the question and understand that you need to ask it but I need to have those conversations with important people behind the scenes. I’m obviously not going to discuss that publicly first.
“Without a doubt, England have got some fabulous young players and even the young ones now have got a lot of experience of tournaments. Many of this squad are going to be in two, four, six, eight years’ time.
“We have now been consistently back in the matches that matter but it’s the last step that we haven’t been able to do.”
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham did not comment specifically on Southgate’s situation but said: “We came to Germany to win the tournament, and we didn’t want it to end this way. We are all hurting tonight, but we should be incredibly proud.
“I would like to thank Gareth, [assistant] Steve [Holland], all of the players and the support team for their huge commitment and hard work to try to win the trophy for the country. They will be more disappointed than anyone to fall just short.
“This is our fourth major tournament final in four years for the Three Lions and the Lionesses, and our ambition to win major tournaments is stronger than ever. Our wonderful fans have supported us with pride and passion here in Germany and back at home. Everyone involved with England wants to make the country proud, and we really appreciate their support.”
Meanwhile, Spain became the first team to win the Euro with an unbeaten run in the tournament (seven straight wins). Southgate admitted the better team won as Spain dominated the game but hailed his team’s fighting spirit.
“They were the best team in the tournament,” said Southgate. “They were the best team tonight.
“Our players have been incredible, they’ve given everybody some incredible nights.
“They couldn’t have given any more in terms of their effort, their desire, their character.
“Tonight we fell short, we didn’t keep the ball well enough. We got the equalizer but I think the physical toll of the issues we came into the tournament with, the extra-time periods and then tonight, having as little of the ball as we did, ultimately that took a big toll.”
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