GOALThe manager of the Three Lions has purposely kept his future uncertain in order to benefit the team, but now this lack of clarity is starting to work against him.
Gareth Southgate stands out among top-level managers, as he defies the common perception of self-interest. Despite his position as England boss for eight years, he willingly takes on the role of being the nation’s scapegoat, deflecting attention away from the players and onto himself.
Many people in the same position would have been furious at the sight of their own fans launching cups towards them after a result, but Southgate took the angry reaction to his side's 0-0 draw with Slovenia on the chin. He could easily have puffed his chest out and pointed to his record as being England's best tournament manager since Sir Alf Ramsey, but his calm response summed up his humble nature: "I understand the narrative towards me. That’s better for the team than it being towards them."
Not only has Southgate endured criticism for the betterment of the national team, but he has also incurred a financial setback. Refusing to sign a new contract for Euro 2024 until the 2026 World Cup, the manager will receive no financial recompense if he and the Football Association choose to separate in July.
Switzerland’s Murat Yakin is the sole manager in the Euros quarter-finals without a contract extending to the next World Cup. In contrast, England’s main competitors Spain, France, and Germany have already determined their managers regardless of the tournament’s outcome. This lack of certainty is posing a challenge for Southgate and the English team.
