England boss Gareth Southgate says he won’t ‘outstay his welcome’ as pressure ramps up
- Seb Sternik
- 11 June 2022
Gareth Southgate revealed he won’t outstay his welcome as manager of England, following continued criticism over his conservative tactical approach.
Over the last four years, Southgate has taken the Three Lions to a World Cup semi-final, Nations League third-place finish and the Euro 2020 final.
But despite his recent successes, many believe England underachieved due to Southgate's cautious approach.
The 51-year-old hit back at his critics, saying: "Look, I've got to find a balance because I don't want to sit and be defensive but some people have managed teams and others haven't.
"Until you've managed teams, you have a different view of the game because what's needed to win football matches are the sorts of things that Mount did on (Joshua) Kimmich that allows other things to happen.
"Of course for the man who comes and stands on the terrace and in old terms pays his money, I totally understand he wants to see a Grealish with a (Raheem) Sterling, with a (Bukayo) Saka…but you've got to have a balance of the team, this is top-level football.
"I think that balance of the team to get to a semi-final and final has been pretty good and maybe we've talked for years about why we haven't got there. I've got to manage in the way I see fit."
Speaking after the heart-breaking loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, Southgate revealed he wouldn't stay in the role for longer than he was wanted.
The England boss reiterated that view ahead of this weekend's UEFA Nations League rematch with the Italians.
He said: "I won't outstay my welcome but I think I can do a good job for the team and I think we've done a good job for the team," he said.
"If you look back I have always said it. I am not going to be here forever am I? There will be another England manager.
"But that's how I have always felt about it. The major part of that is how the players are. Do I still feel the players give everything and respond to what we do? Yes I do!
"I think we'll continue to improve the team, which we have done over a consistent period of time and I think we're also developing young players as well that will leave England in a good place for a long period to come.
"I'm always going to have those situations where people are going to disagree with the selection."
