Gareth Southgate has thrown major doubt on his future as England manager by admitting that he believes the team’s backlash is his fault.
The 53-year-old’s contract expires in December, and there is a growing sense that this will be his final event.
Angry supporters pelted Southgate with plastic pint cups during England’s disappointing goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday night.
And, despite his club qualifying for the round of 16 as group winners, he believes the fans’ hostility against him is making his job untenable.
‘Our world is different at the moment and I feel that is probably because of me,’ said Southgate.
‘I’m not going to change that so it’s pointless me spending energy (on it). But I’m not going to back away from it. I understand the feeling towards me, but I want the fans to back the players.’
Mail Sport understands that the FA does not want to break ways with Southgate, considering everything he has accomplished in his eight years as manager, and that stance will not change even if England fails to meet expectations at Euro 2024.
FA officials would rather Southgate go on his own time and terms, believing he would make the greatest decision for the team at the end of the tournament.
The governing body has a backup plan in case Southgate leaves, with Newcastle manager Eddie Howe considered to be at the top of their shortlist.
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