Harry Maguire has voiced a strong preference for Gareth Southgate to continue as the England national team’s manager, despite rumors connecting Southgate to the managerial position at Manchester United.
Recent reports have positioned Southgate as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s top pick to lead United in the event of Erik ten Hag’s departure.
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Southgate, aged 53, boasts a commendable track record with England, having steered the team to the Euro 2020 final and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
Manchester United holds Southgate’s achievements in high regard. With his contract concluding at the year’s end, any decisions regarding his future are deferred until after Euro 2024 this summer.
However, should England’s players have a say, they would unanimously opt for Southgate to retain his role with the Three Lions, disregarding any potential overtures from Manchester United.
That’s according to Man United defender Maguire, who, when asked if the England squad want Southgate to stay on beyond the summer, said: ‘Yeah, definitely, obviously.
‘We want to be successful in the Euros – we are not looking at the World Cup at the moment – but obviously if we are successful at the Euros, which is our main focus, of course, we want to be successful.
‘If Gareth’s the man to make us be successful then we want him to stay as long as possible. I’ve had a great relationship with him. I’ve been a big part of the success and the progression that we’ve shown as a country.
‘And I’m sure he will say the same thing now, it’s all about winning a trophy. I don’t know what’s going to happen after the Euros, I don’t know if he knows what’s going to happen.
‘But I feel like what he’s done from when he first took over this job to where we are at now, we’ve taken huge strides and he’s a massive part of that.
‘He’s definitely got the recognition and respect of the players, and people who are close to him. And people whose opinions matter to him.’
The Three Lions are considered strong contenders to clinch the Euros and achieve a historic victory reminiscent of 1966.
While a segment of supporters advocate for a new managerial lead, particularly in light of the rise of youthful, elite players, Maguire’s confidence in Southgate remains unwavering.
‘Listen, being the England manager is so tough. It’s one of the most scrutinised jobs in the world,’ the 31-year-old, who has 62 caps for his country, added.
‘All you can look at is where we were before he took over, and where we are now. Everyone will say “yeah but we’ve got great talent coming through, better players now”.
‘In previous years we have also had great talent and great players, and we haven’t been successful. So, I think he does deserves a lot of credit.
‘He has taken us a long way and he fully gets a lot of respect from all the players. He’s brilliant. I feel as a group we’re ready to win.
‘If you asked every single player in the squad they’d say the expectation is to win the tournament. I think tournament football is based on big moments and we have the players to produce those big moments.’
