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4 months ago
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Alan Shearer believes England's agonising Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain will be Gareth Southgate's last match as manager, admitting the loss will 'hurt him'.
The Three Lions' lengthy wait for a major men's trophy will now reach 60 years after goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal condemned them to a second straight European Championship sucker punch in Berlin last night.
Substitute Cole Palmer had hauled Southgate's side back on level terms but Oyarzabal stabbed home the dramatic winner four minutes from time.
Speculation has quickly mounted over whether England's head coach will remain in his role. He is out of contract at the end of the year but, as reported by Mail Sport, the Football Association want him to stay for the 2026 World Cup.
Post-match, Southgate insisted he would take time to consider his position but Shearer believes his time in the dugout is likely to be up.
Alan Shearer believes Gareth Southgate will decide to step down as England manager
The Three Lions suffered an agonising 2-1 defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin
Shearer has admitted the loss and missing out on a trophy once again will 'hurt' Southgate
'I suspect he might say "over to someone else",' Shearer said, speaking during the BBC's live coverage. 'I suspect it will be Southgate's last game.
'There will be great disappointment at home. Yes, we could have played more attacking football, but they have got to the final.
'When you are here, you have got to get over the line.'
Shearer went on to add: 'The reality is he got us to a final three years ago (at Euro 2020) and got us to a final here, and hasn't won.
'That will hurt him and maybe he will think it's time for someone else.'
Southgate insisted he did not want to ponder over his future so soon after the final
Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal stabbed home the winner for Spain just four minutes from time
A dejected Southgate insisted he did not want to consider his future so soon after the final but plans to hold discussions before making a decision.
'I have to talk to the right people,' he said. 'It is not for now.
'It's hard to reflect so soon after a defeat like this. To take England to two finals has never been done but we came here to win and we haven't been able to do that.
'England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they have now and the age of the squad. This squad will be around for the next World Cup. There is a lot to look forward to but that is no consolation.'
He then laid bare his emotions, adding: 'I am devastated for everyone, the players have been incredible, I am so proud. I am proud of the way they have fought, represented the shirt with pride, never beaten until five minutes of the last game.
'We didn't quite keep the ball well enough, they had more control.'
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