England manager Gareth Southgate is reportedly set to discuss his future with the FA in January, following England's quarter-final exit from World Cup 2022.
The FA are said to be hopeful that Southgate will continue in his role; the 52-year-old is under contract until Euro 2024, the next major tournament.
In the immediate aftermath of the Three Lions' painful 2-1 loss to France in the last eight, Southgate said he "needed time" to think about his next steps – although, according to Sky Sports, he has suggested that he wants to stay on.
No decision has been made yet – but, per The Times' Henry Winter, the FA will meet with Southgate for a "comprehensive debrief" early in the New Year.
FA to hold a “comprehensive debrief” with Gareth Southgate in early January. Understandably, after a draining World Cup, FA want #ENG manager to unwind with his family over Christmas and New Year. FA hope Southgate’s “energy” levels will soon be restored and he continues in role.December 16, 2022
Having spent three years in charge of the U21s, Southgate was appointed England senior boss in September 2016, succeeding Sam Allardyce; he guided the Three Lions to the semi-finals of his first major tournament, the 2018 World Cup, then to the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley – where they were beaten on penalties by Italy.
Despite some disappointing form earlier in the year, England impressed in Qatar – and if not for Harry Kane's missed penalty, the ultimately decisive moment in the defeat to France, things might have been so very different.
Whether or not Southgate leads his country into Euro 2024 (qualifying for which begins in March) remains to be seen, but the FA certainly seem to think he's still the right man for the job.
