English midfielder, Declan Rice has said Gareth Southgate “has got the backing of everyone” to stay on as England manager through to the 2026 World Cup.
Southgate’s contract expires in December this year. But a decision was to be taken after yesterday’s Euro 2024 final between England and Spain. Sources hinted that the English Football Association (FA) would like the 53-year-old to remain in charge.
It remains to be seen whether or not Southgate would opt to continue in the role, having faced criticisms from fans after England’s performances earlier in the tournament.
England, however, overcame a slow start to reach their first finals on foreign soil and secured a back-to-back appearance in Euros finals.
“I woke up to the news this morning that the FA wanted him to stay until ’26. This journey and this road that he has been on has been so special,” Rice said.
“Hopefully we can do something special for him for sure and I know for a fact the lads would love him to stay on until ’26, there’s no doubt about that. The way he looks after us, how calm he is, how he is as a man-manager, how he is on the training pitch with us, he’s top.
“But none of us have spoken to him. That’s none of our business. Whatever he wants to do, whatever makes him happy, I’m sure he’ll make the right decision. But I’m sure he’s got the backing of everyone to stay on.”
