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Southgate focused on Euro 2024, plays down contract extension
England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed that he is unfazed by the uncertainty over a new contract as the Euro 2024 draws ever closer.
Southgate who considered leaving his post after the Three Lions’ quarterfinals defeat by France in Qatar 2022 World Cup is entering the final six months of his contract before the European Championship.
The Football Association hopes former Middlesbrough manager Southgate can continue to work as manager as he oversees a fourth major tournament as the team gun for a first title since the 1966 World Cup triumph.
The 53-year-old will have managed the same number of England games as Sir Bobby Robson when the tournament kicks off in Germany.
“Well, for me, it’s not an issue and never has been,” Southgate told the BBC.
“I have to deliver a successful tournament for England and there’s enough work involved in that. I think everybody would expect that’s where my focus should be.”
Southgate also played down links to the Manchester United job with current manager Erik ten Hag under pressure.
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“There will always be speculation about managers, because if you lose a couple of games, you’re in trouble – you win a couple of games and it is a different agenda,” Southgate said.
“But for me, it [Euro 2024] is a brilliant opportunity. We’re looking forward to the tournament.
My focus is on how do we go a step further than we went in the last Euros [when they were beaten on penalties in the final by Italy].”
Southgate will select his Euro 2024 preliminary squad on Tuesday 21 May and is likely to pick a 26-man squads as UEFA has allowed for additional three players for the tournament.
