England’s Football Association (FA), announced on Sunday, December 18, that Gareth Southgate will remain as the manager of the men’s football team despite the World Cup exit.
Southgate, who took the job in 2016, helped England reach the quarterfinals of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they were knocked out by favourites France.
After the painful experience, in which star forward Harry Kane missed a penalty in the game's dying minutes, Southgate stated that he needed time to reflect before making his next move.
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The federation has now confirmed that Southgate will remain in charge of the team.
"We are delighted to confirm that Gareth Southgate is continuing as England's manager, and will lead our Euro 2024 campaign.
“Gareth and Steve Holland have always had our full support, and our planning for the Euros now," read part of the statement from the FA.
It was unclear whether Gareth would have stayed at the helm of the team after the disappointments witnessed in the last two years.
At the delayed 2020 Euros, the no-nonsense tactician guided England to the finals, which they narrowly lost to Italy.
Highly rated winger Bukayo Saka, Jordan Sancho, and Marcus Rashford missed their spot kicks in the finals staged at the iconic Wembley Stadium to deny the team a chance of lifting the elusive silverware.
Former England player Gary Neville is among a number of prominent figures who have backed the FA's decision.
"I think it's the right decision. When I saw that it would be discussed in the New Year, I didn't think that would work, letting it hang for so long.
"I felt it needed to be dealt with, and the fact it has come out overnight is welcome. It puts it to bed. It allows everyone to focus for the next 18 months.
"If there is going to be a change it will be after the next tournament, it means a proper succession plan can be put in place," Sky Sports quoted him.
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