Gareth Southgate's future uncertain after England's Euro 2024 heartbreak

England football manager Gareth Southgate has stated that "now is not the time" to decide on his future. Southgate has been leading the team since 2016, but his current contract ends in December, Kazinform reports.

England's long wait for another major trophy continues after a 2-1 defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin. The 1966 World Cup remains their only men's trophy.

This was England's second consecutive European Championship final defeat, following their loss to Italy on penalties in 2021.

Gareth Southgate, whose contract ends this year, might have overseen his last major tournament after eight years as manager. England had a rough start in Germany, facing criticism and near-elimination, but their impressive comeback in the later stages gave fans hope, only to lose to Spain, the tournament's top team.

Southgate said about his future, "I don't think now is a good time to make a decision like that. I need to talk to the right people. It's not for now."

The Prince and Princess of Wales praised England's "Teamwork, grit, and determination" on social media, calling the team "an inspiration to all of us, young and old."

Alan Shearer, an English football pundit and former professional player, commented on Gareth Southgate's future: "It should be his decision to stay or go, and I believe it will be. It's a tiring job, and he's been doing it for a long time. If he does leave, he should go with his head held high because England is in a completely different place now compared to when he took over in 2016."

England's next games are on 7 September against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin and three days later at home against Finland in the Nations League.

If Southgate leaves at the end of his contract, he will manage these games but depart before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers begin next year.