England news: Gareth Southgate admits contract won’t save him from a poor World Cup in Qatar
- Seb Sternik
- 26 September 2022
Gareth Southgate admitted that his future with the national side will be dictated by England’s performance at the 2022 World Cup.
Southgate is under growing pressure after failing to win any of his last five games - the team's worst winless run since 2014.
England were relegated from their Nations League group following their recent 1-0 defeat to Italy, meaning Monday's game with Germany will be nothing more than a World Cup warm-up fixture.
"I am not foolish," said the England boss. "My sole focus at the moment is to get the team right for (Monday) night.
"We're focused on a good performance, a good result, then you're looking towards the World Cup. And I know ultimately I will be judged on what happens at that World Cup.
"Contracts are irrelevant in football because managers can have three, four, five-year contracts and if results aren't good enough then you accept that's time to part ways.
"Why would I be any different? I'm not arrogant enough to think that having a contract should protect me in any way from results."
Southgate later added: "Of course we understand how the mood changes with the results, and it has changed.
"I am realistic about that. I'll be judged on what's delivered in Qatar and I am perfectly happy to be judged in that way.
"History is history. You're judged on the next match and you're judged on the next tournament."
