After England’s 2-1 quarterfinal loss to the defending champions France, Southgate has informed his FA superiors that he needs some time to think about his future.
Since taking over in 2016, Southgate has led England to the final of Euro 2020 and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. Neville thinks the 51-year-old, who has a contract through 2024, should continue in the position.
“I actually hope he doesn’t go back into club management,” he told the Sky Sports World Cup podcast. “I look at him and think there’s no English person alive who has got more experience at major tournaments, junior tournaments and playing for his country.
“He has seen it all and I think he should be kept within the system to design the future. He has been there for 10 years, we’ve had great success with the women’s teams, with the younger teams, and I think we’ve had really good success with the men’s team, and I feel like he has seen that improvement in performance and culture over 10 years. I would like him to stay with the FA beyond his coaching role.”
Neville does believe Southgate needs to decide quickly and avoid letting things go too far into the new year, though, as England will play Italy in Naples in a Euro 2024 qualifying match in March.
“Gareth is an honest man with great integrity who will make the decision that is right for him and the FA. It feels to me like 18 months is right and Gareth doing this next tournament, maybe knowing there’s a succession plan in place, would feel right to me,” he added.
