Gareth Southgate speaks out on his future as England boss after World Cup exit

Gareth Southgate insists he needs time to ‘reflect’ before confirming he is ready to continue as England manager after a painful defeat against France.

The Three Lions boss is under contract until the summer of 2024 when England will be among the favourites to win the Euros and go one better than they did on home soil 18 months ago.

After promising so much in Qatar, England’s World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking end against France on Saturday as the holders chiseled out a victory despite being second best for large periods of the contest.

Les Bleus took a first-half lead through Aurelien Tchouameni’s long-range effort but Harry Kane’s penalty 10 minutes after the re-start brought England level.

Southgate’s side looked the more likely winners at that stage but Olivier Giroud’s header proved decisive before Kane spurned another opportunity from the spot to take the game to extra time.

Asked about his future after the game, a clearly emotional Southgate told ITV: I think after every tournament we’ve sat and reviewed and reflected.

‘That needs a little bit of time to make sure that everybody makes the right decisions.’

“I don’t think the players could give any more.” 🗣

Gareth Southgate gave his reaction to @GabrielClarke05 following England’s defeat to France#ITVFootball | #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/lAM37fMuZ4

Southgate, meanwhile, was quick to alleviate any blame from Kane on a night he drew level with Wayne Rooney as England’s all-time leading goalscorer.

He said: ‘For me we win and lose as a team, we’ve let two goals in and missed a few chances.

‘He’s been incredible for us and so reliable in those sorts of situations we wouldn’t be here but for the number of goals he’s scored for us.’

Those sentiments were echoed by Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson who offered his support to the crestfallen Tottenham talisman.

‘We know how many penalties Harry has scored for us, how many goals he has contributed to even get us here,’ he said.

‘He will be stronger for this in the future. He is a world-class striker and our captain, he will bounce back.’

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