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4 months ago
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Gareth Southgate has cast significant doubt over his future as England manager by revealing he believes the backlash against the team is down to him.
The 53-year-old’s contract expires in December and there is a growing feeling this will be his last tournament.
Southgate was pelted with plastic pint cups by angry supporters after England’s miserable goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday night.
And despite his team qualifying for the round of 16 as group winners, he feels the negativity of the fans towards him is making his position untenable.
‘Our world is different at the moment and I feel that is probably because of me,’ said Southgate.
Gareth Southgate believes the negativity directed at him has made his position untenable
The head coach was treated to a hail of plastic cups when he went over to applaud fans after England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia
The FA are keen to continue working with Southgate, but view Newcastle's Eddie Howe as top of their short-list of replacements
‘I’m not going to change that so it’s pointless me spending energy (on it). But I’m not going to back away from it. I understand the feeling towards me, but I want the fans to back the players.’
Mail Sport understands the FA do not want to part ways with Southgate, given all that he has accomplished in his eight years as manager, and that stance will not change even if England fall below expectations at Euro 2024.
FA chiefs would rather Southgate left in his own time and on his own terms, and believe he will make the best decision for the team at the end of the tournament.
The governing body have a plan B in the event of Southgate leaving, with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe thought to be top of their shortlist to take over.
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