Next England manager odds if Gareth Southgate steps down after Euro 2024 heartbreak

It’s yet more crushing disappointment for Southgate and England (Picture: Getty)

Gareth Southgate’s future as England manager hangs in the balance after the Three Lions suffered defeat in the final of Euro 2024.

The much-maligned England boss refused to be drawn on his fate after the full-time whistle in Berlin, insisting it wasn’t the right time to discuss his future.

Southgate’s current contract runs until the end of the current calendar year, and before the final, it was reported that the FA were keen to keep the 53-year-old in the hot seat regardless of the outcome of the Spain showdown.

But the crushing disappointment could see Southgate elect to bring the curtain down on his eight-year reign and take the decision out of the FA’s hands.

An immediate decision isn’t expected imminently, however, with Southgate likely to take some time away to contemplate before sitting down with the FA to settle on the next steps for both parties.

England suffer Euro 2024 final heartbreak to Spain – as it happened

What has Gareth Southgate said about his future?

‘I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that,’ Southgate told ITV after the loss in the German capital.

‘I’ve got to talk to the right people. It’s just not for now.

Has Southgate managed his last England game? (Picture: Getty)

‘I think England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they’ve got now, the age of the squad. Most of this squad are going to be around, not only for the World Cup, but for the next Euros as well. So there’s a lot to look forward to. But at this moment that’s not any consolation.’

Southgate had sent shockwaves through the FA earlier this year when he gave a surprise interview to German publication Bild, around the time he was linked with the manager’s job at Manchester United.

He said: ‘If we don’t win [the Euros], I probably won’t be here anymore. It might be the last chance.’

Bullingham at the time, however, was reluctant to set targets, saying: ‘[The team] could go further but be playing poorly or have a really unlucky result where you get a couple of red cards and hit the woodwork three times.

‘I think setting an arbitrary figure isn’t the right way to go. I think we step back and look at everything after the tournament.’

Next England manager odds

Graham Potter is currently the bookies’ favourite to take over from Southgate, with the 49-year-old having been out of work since his Chelsea sacking over a year ago.

Graham Potter has been out of work since his sacking by Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

The Englishman was close to taking over at Ajax earlier this summer and was also considered by Leicester City following Enzo Maresca’s defection to Stamford Bridge.

A foreign appointment, meanwhile, should not be discounted with both Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino both having enjoyed success in England in previous roles – whilst Jurgen Klopp would surely be the dream appointment for the FA.