Gareth Southgate to decide England future after Euro 2024, namechecks Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo

Gareth Southgate has said no decision on his future as England manager will be made until after Euro 2024.

Southgate has been in charge of the national team since 2016, and has led The Three Lions to the semi-finals of a World Cup and the final of a European Championship.

England took a backward step in terms of results when falling at the quarter-final stage at the 2022 World Cup, but Southgate remained at the helm and led the squad to Euro 2024 in comfortable fashion.

The summer’s tournament in Germany is coming into focus, and Southgate is putting the finishing touches to his preparations.

Southgate’s current contract expires at the end of 2024, and whether he continues in the post beyond this summer is likely to depend on performance at this summer’s Euros.

“You’ve got to see how the summer goes - it’s as simple as that,” Southgate said at the draw for the Nations League. “I know what we’re capable of achieving. I know what my own benchmark of success would be and after that I’m not really thinking about anything else. My only focus is to try and win the tournament for England.

“We’ve got to deliver performances and you’ve got to make the best decisions for everybody.

“I won’t be in a position to make that decision before the tournament. If we did anything before, it would be detrimental to the performance - whichever way your decision went.”

Southgate’s focus will be on selecting his squad, and Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo is on his radar after some impressive performances in recent weeks.

“He’s doing brilliantly,” Southgate said. “I’m not certain he’s necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such. He’s quite a progressive player but he’s had a fabulous start to his career and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward.”

Southgate was in the stands to watch Jordan Henderson make his Ajax debut, following his return to Europe from Saudi Arabia.

“It’s easier to assess somebody playing in a European league,” Southgate said. “He’ll be excited about the game the other night. He’s had a really warm welcome [at Ajax] and I’m sure that will mean a lot to him.”

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