England fans split on sacking Gareth Southgate after painful World Cup exit to France

Gareth Southgate said he would need time to consider his future in the wake of England’s World Cup exit.

The Three Lions suffered penalty heartbreak again as Harry Kane missed the chance to equalise late on, having netted from the spot early in the second half.

Aurelien Tchouameni’s opener from distance and Olivier Giroud’s header proved enough for Les Bleus to book the semi final tie with Morocco as they look to defend their 2018 crown.

Questions regarding Southgate’s future as England manager are never too far away but he gave little indication of a decision on his role going forward in the aftermath of the quarter-final defeat.

“I think after every tournament we’ve sat and reviewed and reflected,” Southgate told ITV Sport.

“That needs a little bit of time to make sure that everybody makes the right decision.”

Southgate took charge after England’s Euro 2016 debacle – a brief Sam Allardyce stint aside – and led them to the semi finals of the 2018 World Cup before being beaten finalists at Euro 2020.

They had performed well through the 2022 World Cup with comprehensive wins over Iran, Wales and Senegal alongside a tricky draw with the USA.

The France defeat ends their hopes this year, with the next tournament taking place in North America in 2026.

England fans are split over Gareth Southgate’s future

Supporters have long seen the pragmatic Southgate as a marmite-like figure. There were calls for the 52-year-old to be sacked following a dismal Nations League performance.

An excellent start to the World Cup campaign restored faith in the England manager. But he now faces the wrath of a section of the nation following a couple of debatable decisions in the France loss. 

Some felt that the decision to substitute the influential Bukayo Saka was incorrect. The Arsenal winger won the first penalty, which Kane scored, and created several other chances. “Took Saka off and England lost all impetus, what was Southgate thinking?” @ChiddyAFC wrote. 

@PatrickTimmons1 cried: “Taking off Bukayo Saka for Raheem Sterling whilst chasing the game was truly undefendable [sic] from Gareth Southgate.”

@UnitedEriksen bemoaned James Maddison’s lack of minutes and felt it was enough reason for Southgate to be sacked alone. They tweeted: “The fact that James Maddison didn’t get a minute at this World Cup just goes to show how tactically incompetent Southgate is. He needs sacking immediately!”

Other fans believe Southgate deserves to stay in his job. The former Middlesbrough boss has another 18 months on his contract, taking him to the end of Euro 2024 

“I don’t know how that can be on Southgate honestly. Better side for 90 minutes,” CPFC_Cal argued. 

“I don’t mind Southgate leaving, but I don’t think you can watch that game and say he cocked it up. England went toe-to-toe with probably the best team in the world, and lost in the moments,” pointed out @EuroExpert_.