England boss Gareth Southgate has potentially let slip his future plans after holding talks with the Three Lions fringe stars after the World Cup. The 52-year-old reportedly told them they would still be part of his plans going forward despite playing a reduced role in Qatar suggesting he could yet stay in charge until at least Euro 2024.
The development was reported by Sky Sports correspondent Rob Dorsett who has spent much of the tournament based within the England camp. The broadcaster was discussing the conversations that Southgate had held following England’s 2-1 defeat to France.
He said: “Gareth Southgate spoke specifically to a number of players who didn’t play much or at all to reassure them that they were still part of his plans going forward with England. The manager wanted to speak to those players who didn’t play much to reassure them about their future and I think you can read into a little bit about his future as well.
“The fact that the manager wanted to give some counsel to the squad’s fringe players is significant. The obvious question would be why would he do that if he didn’t want to stay on as England manager and more crucially if he has planned to leave he can’t offer any guarantees over these players’ future involvement, as that would come down to whoever is after him.”
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The players appear keen for the manager to stay with the likes of Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson and Jude Bellingham among those praising their manager. He also has the backing of high-profile personalities within the world of English football with Gary Neville and Gary Lineker believing he should stay on until Euro 2024.
It remains to be seen whether or not Southgate will remain England manager in the long term but the latest development suggests he could be leaning towards staying rather than moving on.
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