Gareth Southgate will be asked to STAY on as England manager into his third World Cup by FA regardless of the Euro 2024 final result… but 53-year-old is keeping his thoughts secret

The Football Association want to tempt Gareth Southgate into managing England at the World Cup regardless of the outcome of Sunday's crunch final.

Southgate will lead the nation into the Euro 2024 showpiece in Berlin with uncertainty hanging over his future.

His current deal expires in December but any decision to leave would be made well in advance with England's next set of fixtures scheduled for September.

There has been a growing feeling that Southgate would leave his position after the Euros amid discontent from the fan base towards his stewardship.

But England's euphoric run to the European Championship final in Berlin this weekend, where they will face Spain, has reaffirmed the FA's stance that Southgate remains the best person for the job.

And English football's governing body will tell Southgate that they want him to stay in charge for at least another two years, taking him to USA 2026, once the current tournament is finished, even if they lose on Sunday.

Southgate' reconnection with a disaffected fanbase that aimed plastic beer cups at him during the group stages would ease the path towards any new contract for the England boss.

The 53-year-old has kept his thoughts about his future beyond Euro 2024 secret which has added uncertainty in recent months.

Indeed, Southgate, win or lose on Sunday, may already have decided he wants to pursue a return to club management.

He was a contender to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, but the Dutchman has signed a new deal at Old Trafford.

If Southgate does leave his post then Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe, Mauricio Pochettino and Graham Potter would be contenders to replace him.

Meanwhile, Southgate admits his team will need to produce the 'perfect' performance to overcome Spain in the Euros final.

The Spanish are widely recognised as the most complete team here in Germany while England's early performances during the tournament were largely criticised.

And Southgate said: 'They would be rightly favourites for what they have done this tournament. They have been the best team.

'They have got a day longer and in the last three finals, maybe more, it has been quite significant so we have got to get our recovery spot on. Tactically we will have to be perfect as they are such a good side.'

It is hoped Kieran Trippier, who was substituted at half-time of the semi-final win over Holland due to a suspected groin issue, will be fit enough to train before Sunday's final.