‘England players don’t care who manages the national team after my contract’ – says Southgate

The English FA wants England manager Gareth Southgate to extend his contract, which runs out at the end of next year, until after Euro 2024.

But Southgate says the Three Lions stars do not care who takes charge of the team when his contract expires. 

“I wouldn’t think they could care less! They aren’t bothered who the manager is at the club or country.

“One comes, one goes. The next one comes and they get on with it.

“So, no, it’s not a distraction in any way, shape or form.

“I have got 14 months and if you can get through 14 weeks as a manager you have done well, so it really isn’t an issue.

“I enjoy working with the team and I would imagine we won’t even discuss that until after the autumn now,” Southgate said.

England can take a major step towards qualifying for Qatar 2022 with a win in Poland on Wednesday night.

Talks will not take place until this World Cup qualifying campaign ends in November.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham made it clear before Euro 2020, where England reached the final, that Southgate is wanted for a longer period.

The day after the loss to Italy at Wembley Stadium, Gareth Southgate made it clear that he doesn’t want to commit to anything longer than he should and will never want to outstay his welcome.