sport news SAMI MOKBEL: Gareth Southgate will have plenty of offers once he decides his ... trends now
If tonight is Gareth Southgate’s last stand, don’t expect him to bow out in a blaze of spontaneity.
Don’t expect him to resign in a toilet cubicle as Kevin Keegan did minutes after defeat by Germany at Wembley in 2000.
Don’t expect him to confirm his departure in the post-match press conference like Roy Hodgson after England’s humiliation against Iceland at Euro 2016.
Gareth Southgate (pictured) could decide to walk away from England if they lose to France
Southgate (pictured) may take time to consider whether he will see out his England contract
Southgate tends to take a more considered approach. He is unlikely to rush into an announcement. Though if you speak to various people in football, the 52-year-old has already made his decision.
Expect him to communicate that on his own terms. That is the minimum he deserves.
That said, it is important to consider that England’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign starts with a match against Italy in Naples on March 23.
The identity of the England manager — whether it is Southgate or someone else — will need to be finalised well in advance of that trip.
But the position will need to be confirmed before England's 2024 Euros qualifiers in March
Southgate's experience in the role makes him one of the most qualified person to do the job
Whether Southgate decides to see out the final 18 months of his contract may require an extended period of reflection, though you would imagine he has a clear idea of the direction in which he is heading.
What is certain is that he is in full control of his destiny. There is no appetite from the FA to dispose of this country’s most successful manager since Sir Alf Ramsey.
The ball is in Southgate’s court. The uncertainty over his future, or more precisely the unwillingness from anybody to dispel it, suggests there is a decision to be made.
Speak to those close to Southgate and they will tell you his focus has been so transfixed on the World Cup he has had little time to think about anything else.
