"I think Gareth is at that point" - Presenter believes Gareth Southgate will leave England role regardless of Euro 2024 final result
Football presenter Laura Woods believes England manager Gareth Southgate will step down from his role after Euro 2024 regardless of the result versus Spain this weekend. She reckons the tactician has reached the end of the road with the Three Lions.
England managed to beat the Netherlands 2-1 in their Euro 2024 semi-final clash on Wednesday, July 10. They'll now take on Spain in the final of the tournament on July 14 and Gareth Southgate will be hoping to see his boys make him proud.
Meanwhile, Laura Woods is convinced that the manager - whose continuity was a subject of speculation prior to the competition - will part ways with the team.
"I think whatever happens in the final against Spain, Southgate will go," she told BetMGM. "I’ve heard other managers talk about cycles before; having the sweet spot with a group of players only lasts so long and sometimes your cycle ends and you’ve taken a team as far as it can go.
"I think Gareth is at that point. His demeanour has been different this tournament. He is slightly sharper in his interviews, seems tired of it, and is referencing 'the noise' a lot more. He also spoke about his players being crippled by a fear of public embarrassment in the group stages – although we seem to have shaken that and I do think that belief is largely created by the manager."
The presenter went on to confess that she's a fan of the England boss while hoping that he gets a befitting farewell when he departs.
"I am a really big fan of his and I don’t like to criticise because my memories of him have been incredible… and still are. I would love for him to get the send-off and the recognition he deserves and win us the Euros. His record with England is already impeccable – it deserves some silverware," she said.
Gareth Southgate hasn't provided a clear indication about his future but there's a strong belief that he might end up leaving soon. He's been linked with several clubs including Manchester United in recent months. However, they've extended Erik ten Hag's contract for another year.
Gareth Southgate's England stint in numbers
Gareth Southgate has a rich history with the England national team. He started as an academy manager in 2011 and went on to manage the U-21 side between 2013 and 2016. He was eventually put in charge of the senior team in 2016.
During his time with the Three Lions, the tactician has overseen 101 games across all fronts, recording 64 victories, 20 draws, and 17 defeats to his name. His side scored an impressive 229 goals in those games and conceded 84.
Southgate's highlights with England include reaching the World Cup semifinals in 2018, as well as the final of the Euro 2020 which they lost to Italy. The Three Lions have made it to the final of the tournament once again. They will face Spain on Sunday, July 14 in Berlin.