On July 16, former England international Leon Osman expressed his support for Gareth Southgate, hoping that he will continue leading the team into the 2026 North America World Cup and suggesting that if he were to be replaced, his successor would find it difficult to match the achievements Southgate has made.
In the recent European Championship, Southgate led the team to the finals but fell short with a 1-2 loss against Spain, securing second place. Since becoming England’s head coach, Southgate has led the team to fourth place in the 2018 World Cup, runner-up in the 2021 European Championship, quarterfinalist in the 2022 World Cup, and again runner-up in the 2024 European Championship. Southgate’s contract with the England team is due to expire in December this year.
Osman commented, “During Southgate’s tenure, England has typically reached the latter stages of the four major tournaments played, and we’ve seen the results of his management. Under Southgate’s leadership, England has achieved remarkable success, and it will be hard for a successor to reach the same heights. I hope Southgate continues as England’s head coach, having already led the team to two major tournament finals.”