Southgate will be England manager for the 2026 World Cup - if he wants to be

FA chiefs want Gareth Southgate to stay on for the next World Cup.

England boss Southgate dropped his clearest hint yet that he is ready to remain in charge beyond his contract which expires in December. That would be the music to the ears of the Football Association with the hierarchy unwavering in their belief that he remains the best man for the job.

Southgate has already been in charge since 2016 and if he stayed on for the next World Cup that would be 10 years in charge, the longest reign since Sir Alf Ramsey who was in charge from 1963 to 1974.

The FA put in an extra six months into Southgate’s £3m-a-year contract to give a “handing over period” after this summer’s Euros. It would allow the FA to recruit a new manager if Southgate does decide to leave but there would certainly be no rush to replace him.

Southgate has revived England’s fortunes since the disaster of Euro 2016, leading them to the 2018 World Cup semi final, reaching the last Euros final and they are currently third in FIFA rankings.

The former England under-21 boss also champions St George’s Park and the development of coaches, young players and the FA pathway.

Southgate is also hugely popular and is easy to work with the FA which also plays into his popularity while there is also no obvious replacement.

Eddie Howe is at Newcastle, Graham Potter was sacked by Chelsea and his stock fell and current under-21 boss Lee Carsley would not be a popular public choice.

Southgate said at the Nations League draw that he will wait until after the Euros until making a decision as doing so before would be to the “detriment” of the team’s chances. He said he will make a decision once he “sees how the summer goes” which could also suggest if they win the Euros then he might