What Southgate was told to stop him quitting England before World Cup
England head for home as World Cup hopes are ended
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Gareth Southgate feared that he would have to quit his role as England boss only months before the World Cup before a conversation with his assistant Steve Holland forced him to change his mind, according to reports. The Three Lions boss is set to continue his reign until Euro 2024 after agreeing to remain in charge following a respectable showing at the World Cup in Qatar.
The 52-year-old came under immense pressure to keep his job only six months ago when England were humiliated 4-0 by Hungary in a UEFA Nations League fixture at Molineux. Fans chanted for Southgate to step down after six years in the job, despite guiding the nation to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final.
Southgate, who is under contract until after the Euro 2024 tournament at least after signing an extension with the Football Association last year, is understood to have seriously considered his position after seeing his relationship with the fans break down following the game.
But according to The Times, an intervention from his trusted No 2 Holland convinced him to continue in the role and prepare his side for the World Cup.
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The report claims Southgate ‘couldn’t see his relationship with England lasting’ after that particular match and was left ‘down’ after failing to please the fans who had adored him only two years ago.
He is understood to have told Holland: “Look, I might have to tell people I’m going”, believing that such an announcement could create a positive feeling for his farewell in Qatar.
However, Holland and Southgate reportedly discussed the topic at length and ultimately decided that a public announcement could destabilise the squad ahead of a winnable tournament, given that they still had the support of the players and staff.
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Southgate eventually decided against making a public declaration as it would have created ‘too much noise’ about his successor, with the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino and Eddie Howe all linked with the post even after the tournament.
England reached the quarter-finals before an agonising 2-1 defeat to France – who have since gone on to reach the final – after Harry Kane missed a vital penalty at Al Bayt Stadium.
Meanwhile, Express Sport understands Southgate will announce his decision to the FA to continue working in his role for the foreseeable future before Christmas, as England look to put their last-eight exit behind them and focus on Euro 2024, which takes place in Germany in just 18 months’ time.
And it underlines that the former Under-21 boss will be pleased that he decided not to promise to step down after opting to carry on the role he has held since 2016.
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