Gareth Southgate knows FA stance on his future if France beat England

England train ahead of France clash

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Gareth Southgate could take charge of his final match as England manager in this evening’s World Cup quarter-final against France. But while he may concede to resigning if the Three Lions fail to reach back-to-back final fours, the Football Association may have other ideas.

On paper, crashing out at the quarter-final stage after the prolonged runs in the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 will have been deemed below-par ahead of the tournament. But at 7pm on Saturday, England will be face-to-face with the reigning world champions and the best player on the planet.

Following a dismal UEFA Nations League campaign, pressure on Southgate mounted to an all-time high. But England have responded admirably, cruising through Group B as winners and past African kings Senegal in the last 16. Southgate has watched his side score 12 goals in four games, conceding just two and keeping three clean sheets.

But failure to conquer France could lead him to decide to call time on his six-year tenure as England boss. In June, Southgate insisted he wouldn’t outstay his welcome in the role. He said: “Don’t get me wrong, I sense I’m not reading it, but I sense where the room is with it. I won’t outstay my welcome, but I think I can do a good job for the team, and I think we’ve done a good job for the team.”

For many, falling to another heavyweight foe in France would be a significant disappointment, with Southgate leading one of England’s most talented squads in history. In September, he stressed he understood that he would be judged by the country’s performance at the World Cup.

“I am not foolish,” Southgate explained. “My sole focus at the moment is to get the team right for [Monday vs Germany]. We’re focused on a good performance, a good result, then you’re looking towards the World Cup. And I know, ultimately, I will be judged on what happens at that World Cup.

“Contracts are irrelevant in football because managers can have three, four, five-year contracts, and if results aren’t good enough, then you accept that it’s time to part ways. Why would I be any different? I’m not arrogant enough to think that having a contract should protect me in any way from results.”

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While a quarter-final exit may not be enough to prevent many supporters from calling for a new manager, the FA reportedly think otherwise. According to the Mail, the FA want Southgate to honour the final two years of his contract and lead England into Euro 2024 in Germany.

During this year’s nightmare Nations League run, Southgate said: “I am absolutely appreciative of that [the FA’s support]. But of course, we understand how the mood changes with the results, and it has changed. I am realistic. I’ll be judged on what’s delivered in Qatar, and I am perfectly happy to be judged in that way.”

The report adds that Southgate could be eyeing a return to club management after his work is done at the World Cup. So even in defeat against France this weekend, it currently seems like the ball will be in his court when his third tournament at the helm comes to a close.

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