Southgate to remain in charge of England

Gareth Southgate will stay on as England’s manager and target the Euro 2024 title, despite their quarter-final exit from the World Cup, British media reported Saturday.

After last weekend’s loss to France in Qatar, the 52-year-old coach said he needed time away to reflect on his six years in charge.

Under Southgate, England advanced to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of the 2017 European Championship, the country’s first major trophy appearances since their 1966 World Cup triumph.

The Daily Telegraph reported on Saturday that he is “convinced” he should continue in his role as national team manager and plans to make that request official with the Football Association before the holidays.

This contract of his is set to expire in December of 2024.

Southgate “will confirm his decision to the FA in the coming days to bring an end to speculation over his future,” the Daily Mail reported on Saturday.

Last Saturday, England’s hopes of winning their second World Cup were dashed by a 2-1 loss to France, who went on to play in the final.

After scoring a penalty kick goal earlier in the game, captain Harry Kane missed a late chance to tie the game.

“The energy that it takes through these tournaments is enormous so I want to make the right decision, whenever that is, for the team, for England, for the FA,” Southgate said in the aftermath of defeat.

“And I’ve got to be sure that whatever decision I make is the right one and I think it’s right to take a bit of time to do that because I know in the past how my feelings have fluctuated in the immediate aftermath of tournaments.”