Gareth Southgate has opened up on reports of him possibly replacing Juventus-bound Maurizio Sarri and becoming the next Chelsea manager.
The Italian tactician is being linked with the Juventus vacant role, despite guiding Chelsea to a top three finish in the Premier League this campaign as well as winning the Europa League trophy in his first year in charge.
His possible exit would leave the west London club needing to appoint their second head coach in the space of 12 months, but they certainly be hiring the England national team boss.
“No. I’m committed to England, simple as that,” Southgate told the Guardian when asked if he was interested in taking the Chelsea job. “I don’t need to hedge my bets in keeping doors open or keeping things alive.
“There’s no way that I would leave England at this moment in time, to take any job.
“The only thing on my mind is that we’ve got a European Championship next summer and we’ve got to keep improving this team to be the best possible team we can be for the country.
“We brought 20,000 fans to Portugal which is remarkable, a sign of their engagement with the team and belief in what we’re trying to do.
“So why would I rush to leave that opportunity and chance to affect not just the football but the other parts that the role brings?
“My sole focus is producing the best team possible for England.”
Southgate is also convinced that his assistant Steve Holland will stay by his side, with reports linking him with possible role back to Chelsea.
Southgate said: “He (Holland) is hugely important to everything we do.
“I am sure at some point in the future he is going to want to be a manager and take that opportunity. I don’t believe that would be now because he is very committed to the work we are doing, looking forward to next summer.
“But unquestionably, I’m sure he is going to get those desires.”
