FA make decision on future of England boss Southgate

England return to action on Saturday as they face France in a huge quarter-final clash in Qatar.  

The Three Lions have been one of the most impressive sides so far at the tournament, but they come up against the reigning world champions who have themselves been in fine form.

Kylian Mbappe will likely be France’s standout attacking threat, but Les Bleus’ boss Didier Deschamps has an array of talent at his disposal and the holders go into the game as favourites.

England boss Gareth Southgate boasts an impressive record in charge of the national side, and he will be hoping to go one better than last time.

The Three Lions were beaten in the semi-finals of the last World Cup, before finishing as runners-up at Euro 2020 last year.

There has been speculation that Southgate will leave his role after the current tournament, but new reports suggest otherwise.

According to The Mail, the FA are keen for Southgate to stay on as manager until after the next European Championships, regardless of the result against France on Saurday.

The ex-Middlesbrough boss is England’s most successful manager since Sir Alf Ramsey, but he was criticised for his tactical approach during the Euro 2020 final against Italy.

Southgate’s England were beaten by Italy in the final of Euro 2020

Southgate, 52, is the only manager in England history to reach the final of a European Championships, but many supporters felt he set his side up too defensively after they went ahead early on.

They had also fallen short against Croatia at the semi-final stage of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but Southgate is one of the nation’s most successful managers in terms of win percentage and tournament records.

According to the report, English football’s governing body will attempt to persuade Southgate to remain in his role up until the end of his current contract in 2024.

One reason for the FA being so reluctant to allow him to leave is due to the severe lack of potential replacements.

Eddie Howe has been linked with the post in the past, but he is extremely unlikely to leave his position as Newcastle United boss anytime soon.

Following a dismal Nations League campaign during which England failed to win in six games this year, hopes ahead of the World Cup were low.

However, having scored 12 goals and kept three clean sheets in four games, there is a growing belief that The Three Lions may be able to lift the trophy for just the second time in history.