Gareth Southgate's tenure as England manager has been an interesting one indeed, marked by both impressive achievements and heartbreaking disappointments. Since taking over in 2016, he has guided the Three Lions to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of EURO 2020, instilling a sense of pride and belief in the national team. But, unfortunately, the desire for a major trophy remains unfulfilled, and EURO 2024 could be the defining moment for Southgate's future as England's manager.
Mounting Pressure
Southgate is under a lot of pressure to secure a grand win for England. This is partly because there are high expectations from fans due to some recent promising performances. For one, the semi-final run at the 2018 World Cup in Russia reignited the nation's hopes of victory, and the subsequent success at EURO 2020, where England narrowly missed out on glory, has only fueled the expectations further.
But now, fans and even the media are demanding more than just promising performances. They want a real victory. They are eager for Southgate and his team to deliver a major trophy into their hands—and the German-hosted EURO 2024 could be their last realistic chance.
What Will Determine Southgate’s Future?
England's performance at EURO 2024 is the primary factor that will shape Southgate's future as manager. An early elimination from the tournament would be seen as a great failure and would likely lead to widespread calls for his departure. On the other hand, reaching the knockout stages would be an achievement, but it may not be enough to satisfy the ever-growing expectations. For Southgate to cement his legacy, guiding England to the final or even claiming the coveted trophy might be the only acceptable outcome.
However, while England making good on its odds to win EURO 2024 will be the primary factor, several other elements will influence Southgate's future as England manager.
For example, fan and media reactions will play a significant role. Intense scrutiny and criticism could be really bad for his prospects. The Football Association's (FA) stance and their criteria for evaluating Southgate's performance will also play a part. If the FA deems his methods and tactics outdated or unsuitable, they may opt for a fresh approach. But, also, the availability of potential replacements and how suitable they are for the job will also determine whether Southgate has a future as team manager.
Potential Outcomes
If England takes home the cup, Southgate's position as manager is likely to be secure. The FA would be hard-pressed to justify dismissing a successful manager, and Southgate's stock would soar even higher. However, if England underperforms and fails to meet expectations, then it is very possible that Southgate will have to go.
In the event of Southgate's departure, potential candidates to replace him could include experienced managers like Brendan Rodgers or Graham Potter. There are also some up-and-coming talents like Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard. The FA would face the challenging task of finding a suitable successor who can build upon Southgate's foundations while injecting fresh ideas and tactics.
Final Thoughts
While Gareth Southgate's tenure as England manager has been marked by progress and a shift in the national team's mentality, the lack of a major trophy continues to loom large. That explains why there are a lot of expectations and pressure surrounding EURO 2024, and failure to deliver could cost Southgate his job. As the countdown to EURO 2024 begins, all eyes will be on Southgate and his squad, with the weight of a nation's expectations resting on their shoulders. The stakes have never been higher, and the outcome of this tournament could shape the trajectory of English football for years to come.