Gareth Southgate addresses his future as England manager as he declares himself proud of his players after losing a second consecutive Euros final
- England were beaten 2-1 by Spain in the final of Euro 2024 on Sunday evening
- Spain's winning goal was scored in the 86th minute by sub Mikel Oyarzabal
- After the match, England manager Gareth Southgate was asked about his future
Gareth Southgate has suggested that he will take time to reflect before deciding whether he wants to continue as England manager.
The 53-year-old led the Three Lions to second place at Euro 2024 - three years after his side also finished as runners up at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament.
England's latest attempt to win their first major men's trophy since 1966 ended on Sunday night with a 2-1 defeat by Spain in Berlin.
Less than an hour after that game was over, Southgate was asked about his future in an interview with ITV.
He replied: 'I don't think now is a good time to make a decision. I have to talk to the right people. It is not for now.'
Gareth Southgate pictured walking past the European Championship trophy on Sunday night
Southgate's England side were beaten 2-1 by Spain in the final of UEFA Euro 2024 in Berlin
Southgate - who has been in charge since September 2016 - is under contract with the Football Association until December. But it is understood that senior officials within the FA are keen for him to extend that deal.
Under Southgate, England have now reached two consecutive Euros finals, as well as getting to a semi-final and a quarter-final in his two World Cup campaigns.
After losing 2-1 to Spain on Sunday night, Southgate declared himself proud of his players and also praised their opposition.
'I think they were the best team in the tournament,' he said. 'We didn't keep the ball well enough but we were in it until the last. I am devastated for everyone, the players have been incredible, I am so proud.
'We had a little bit of momentum, a big chance at the end to equalise as well, but I'm not sure we did quite enough.
'Against Spain you have to keep the ball when you win it back. We were fine defensively in the first half but that takes it out your legs.
'Theres no hiding that we have had a lot of issues. We have managed to deal with most of them but we have fallen short.
'The players have got to take enormous credit for getting us as close as they did.
'I am proud of the way they have fought, represented the shirt with pride and were never beaten until five minutes of the last game.'
Southgate pictured speaking to ITV Sport on the pitch shortly after full-time on Sunday night
Southgate pictured removing his runners-up medal after Sunday's disappointing defeat
He later added: 'England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they have now and the age of the squad.
'This squad will be around for the next World Cup. There is a lot to look forward to but that is no consolation.'
