- England suffered a devastating 2-1 defeat to Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final
- Speculation mounts over Gareth Southgate’s future as England manager following defeat
- Listen to It’s all just beginning! DAILY EUROSWill Gareth Southgate stay for the World Cup?
ITV will offer Gareth Southgate a sports commentary role if he resigns from his England role.
Mail Sport understands the Three Lions boss, whose side suffered heartbreak in back-to-back Euro finals in Berlin last night, is held in high regard at the broadcaster, which is set to make him a key part of its coverage ahead of the next World Cup and beyond.
Before England’s devastating 2-1 defeat to champions Spain, Southgate said he would take a few days to consider his future.
His FA contract expires in December and bosses want him to stay, but it remains to be seen whether he will extend his deal.
Southgate has come under heavy criticism in some quarters despite leading England to back-to-back European Championship finals and World Cup semi-finals and quarter-finals.
ITV to offer Gareth Southgate a punditry job if he steps down as England manager
England suffered their second consecutive defeat in the Euro 2019 final on Sunday.
ITV’s Euro 2019 final punditry team included Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright (left to right)
Southgate’s future as Three Lions manager remains in doubt following defeat in the Euro 2024 final
The 53-year-old has high-profile admirers within ITV and the prospect of him joining their panel is one they are keen to make a reality, although he is unlikely to be available for the Nations League match with Ireland in September given he would need time to take a break.
ITV will lose Gary Neville, who covers major tournaments for them and will now return to Sky Sports.
Throughout the tournament, ITV’s Roy Keane has been supportive and conciliatory towards the eight-year-old England manager, who has worked together before.
The Irishman’s stance has contrasted sharply with the BBC’s coverage, with Gary Lineker’s criticism in particular believed to have hit home for Southgate.
While Lineker made his strongest criticism on his podcast, it is unlikely he will have done the BBC any favours if they show interest in offering the former Aston Villa and Crystal Palace defender a place.
Gary Lineker’s criticism of Southgate on the BBC is believed to have hurt the England manager.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer (left) alongside Laura Woods (centre) and Neville (right) on ITV
Southgate’s England team began their journey home after losing the Euro final on Monday
It also remains to be seen whether Harrogate-based Southgate would consider a return to club football.
Before joining the FA, he was manager of Middlesbrough, a team he also played for, for three years. Manchester United have been mentioned as a possible suitor, but a move to Old Trafford is understood to be highly unlikely.