Gareth Southgate not ready to commit yet to new England contract

Gareth Southgate says that he needs time to reflect before deciding whether to sign a new England contract.

The former Crystal Palace defender led England to the final of the 2020 European Championships. They lost 3-2 on penalties to Italy at Wembley yesterday.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham reportedly wants to hand Southgate a new contract.

Southgate said: “I don’t think now is an appropriate time to think about anything.

We have got to qualify for Qatar. I need some time to go away and watch the game and reflect on the whole tournament, I need a rest.

“It is an amazing experience but to lead your country in these tournaments takes it’s toll and I need a break now.

“I said at the time it is great to have that internal support, you greatly value that as a manager.

“I don’t want to commit to anything longer than I should and I don’t want to outstay my welcome, so all of those things need consideration.

“I want to take the team to Qatar, I feel we have made progress over the four years, we have had a fourth, a third and a second-placed finish and that is as good as anyone.

“I know in time we will have an appreciation of that [getting to the final] and I know the messages we are getting underline that.

“But when you are in sport and you get to a final you know those opportunities are rare and to be so close and to know what that has taken and know you have to pick up and go again, that is very hard the day after.

“We will go again, of course.”