According to center back Harry Maguire, England players all respect and want coach Gareth Southgate to continue leading the team to the 2026 World Cup.
"We certainly want Southgate to stay," Maguire said on March 21. "I don't know what will happen after the Euros, but I feel England have made great strides since Southgate took charge. If Southgate is the man to make the team successful, we want him to stay as long as possible."
Replacing Sam Allardyce in 2016, Southgate has helped England improve their results. They finished fourth at the 2018 World Cup, third in the 2019 UEFA Nations League and second in Euro 2021 - a tournament postponed for a year due to Covid-19.
Euro 2021 is also the first time England have reached the final of a major tournament since winning the 1966 World Cup. Over the past 50 years, the "Three Lions" have lost four consecutive semi-finals at Euro 1968 (lost to the former Yugoslavia 0-1), World Cup 1990 (lost to Germany on penalties), Euro 1996 (Germany on penalties) and World Cup 2018 (Croatia 1-2).
Maguire shakes hands with Southgate after the England-Germany match at Wembley Stadium on September 26, 2022. Photo: PA
At the 2022 World Cup, England lost 1-2 to France in the quarter-finals. Southgate's contract runs until December 2024 and he is in the sights of Man Utd - the team considering the possibility of parting ways with Erik ten Hag. According to Sportmail , Euro 2024 could be Southgate's last tournament in charge of the Three Lions.
Maguire has been a mainstay of Southgate's national team, consistently being called up despite his form and lack of first-team football at Man Utd. The 31-year-old centre-back says he has a good relationship with Southgate, and has played a key role in England's success and development over the years.
Maguire continued to defend Southgate, saying that the 53-year-old coach is respected by all the players and those who work with him. According to Maguire, leading the England team is the most difficult job in the world when choosing any starting lineup is scrutinized and creates controversy. The Man Utd midfielder also explained that the "Three Lions" previously owned a talented squad with many of the world's top stars, but still did not win any titles.
"Look at where England were before Southgate took over and where they are now," Maguire continued. "Southgate has taken us a long way and deserves respect. Everyone has spoken highly of Southgate's management, both tactically and personally. He's been outstanding.
Maguire joined the England squad to prepare for two friendly matches against Brazil on March 23 and Belgium on March 26. The "Three Lions" have difficulty with personnel when Bukayo Saka is injured and is waiting, while captain Harry Kane missed the most recent training session and was confirmed to miss the match against Brazil due to fitness problems. Jordan Henderson and Cole Palmer also had to train separately and are doubtful of playing.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Newcastle striker Anthony Gordon have both been called up for the first time in England's squad, both of whom were part of the England U21 squad that won Euro 2023. Branthwaite has been a key player for Everton this season, while Gordon has scored nine goals and provided five assists in the Premier League.
Southgate then called up 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United. Mainoo has represented England at Under-17 to Under-19 level, but has never played for the Under-20s or Under-21s, and could make his senior debut against Brazil.
Hong Duy
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