Home Sports England’s players want Gareth Southgate to STAY for the 2026 World Cup, says Harry Maguire – as he praises the Three Lions boss who’s emerged as Man United’s ‘No 1 managerial target’

England’s players want Gareth Southgate to STAY for the 2026 World Cup, says Harry Maguire – as he praises the Three Lions boss who’s emerged as Man United’s ‘No 1 managerial target’

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Harry Maguire sent message to FA saying England players want Gareth Southgate to remain their manager

Harry Maguire says England players want Gareth Southgate to stay for the World Cup in 2026 – and hit back at those questioning the manager.

The 53-year-old’s contract expires in December and, despite his links to Manchester United, this summer’s Euros have long been expected to be his last tournament.

Maguire is one of the players who has benefited from Southgate’s support in recent years, despite periods of struggle at club level with United, and the defender has sent a message to the Football Association’s top brass: give a new deal to Gareth.

“Yes, definitely (we want him to stay),” Maguire said. “I had a great relationship with him. I have played a significant role in the success and progression we have enjoyed as a country. I’m sure he’ll say the same thing now, it’s about winning a trophy.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen after the Euro, I don’t know if he knows what’s going to happen. But I have the impression that what he did, from his arrival until where we are today we have made huge progress and he is an integral part of that. If Gareth is the man to make us successful then we want him to stay as long as possible.

Harry Maguire sent message to FA saying England players want Gareth Southgate to remain their manager

Harry Maguire sent message to FA saying England players want Gareth Southgate to remain their manager

The Man United defender credited the England boss for transforming the Three Lions.

The Man United defender credited the England boss for transforming the Three Lions.

The Man United defender credited the England boss for transforming the Three Lions.

1711068574 823 Englands players want Gareth Southgate to STAY for the 2026

1711068574 823 Englands players want Gareth Southgate to STAY for the 2026

Maguire praised Southgate for showing ‘great confidence’ in him during his England career

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Maguire’s comments may not go down well with some supporters and observers, who still doubt Southgate’s influence despite reaching a semi-final and a final under his leadership.

But Maguire replied: “He definitely has the recognition and respect of the players, everyone who worked under him and those close to him, people whose opinions matter to him.”

“Look, being England manager is so difficult, it’s one of the most scrutinized jobs in the world. Every time he picks a team there’s a huge debate – he’s done something wrong Everytime.

“But all you can see is where we were before he took office and where we are now.”

“Everyone will say: ‘Yes, but we have great talent coming in, better players now.’ But in previous years we also had a lot of talent and we weren’t successful.

“So I think he deserves a lot of credit. He has taken us a long way and he fully enjoys the respect of all the players. If you talk to anyone, they will praise Gareth and his tactical management, but also his people management. He’s brilliant.

Maguire is set to win his 63rd cap against Brazil at Wembley on Saturday night, and he believes the scrutiny of his performance – and Southgate’s continued selection of him – is down to the club he represents.

1711068575 604 Englands players want Gareth Southgate to STAY for the 2026

1711068575 604 Englands players want Gareth Southgate to STAY for the 2026

Talk has emerged that Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is confident in his ability to “lure Southgate to Old Trafford”.

The defender is set to win his 63rd international cap if he faces Brazil on Saturday.

The defender is set to win his 63rd international cap if he faces Brazil on Saturday.

The defender is set to win his 63rd international cap if he faces Brazil on Saturday.

1711068575 719 Englands players want Gareth Southgate to STAY for the 2026

1711068575 719 Englands players want Gareth Southgate to STAY for the 2026

There’s a chance this could be Southgate’s last Euro, with his contract expiring in December

“I think different clubs look at players differently, and that’s an important aspect when fans see him choosing a team,” he said. “I could have played for Leicester and had one bad game, then had six good ones, a few bad ones and everyone would think I’m in incredible form. If I did that for Manchester United, it’s not happening like that.

“I think you see a lot of things in England’s career paths – you build yourself, you build yourself, you build yourself, and then you have to maintain that very high standard to stay there, otherwise you’re stopped fast enough.

“I think every player who played for Man United came to a point where they played for the country and people weren’t happy. David Beckham said a lot about it, and I think even Wayne (Rooney) said a lot of things, and he was one of the greatest players to ever play for his country.

“But Gareth showed a lot of faith in me, trusted me all the time, and that gave me the confidence to make sure I’m ready and available to go out and play.” I have great confidence in my abilities and what I can bring to a team.

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