Declan Rice and Harry Maguire have backed Gareth Southgate’s continuation as England manager, as the side attempts to look ahead following a devastating 2-1 quarterfinal loss to France.
England was the superior team and deserved to advance to the semifinals against Morocco, but key moments went against them, most notably Harry Kane’s missed penalty in the 84th minute that resulted in a 2-2 draw.
Despite having a contract through December 2024, Southgate’s future is uncertain after around six years in the position. He plans to assess the situation over the next few days before deciding whether to proceed.
Rice hoped he would remain. “I do not know. There is a great deal of discussion about that. He has been outstanding for us. A great deal of criticism is unjustified. He has brought us so, so far. beyond what people would anticipate
“He again executed flawlessly [against France]. It is in no way his fault. We played appropriately. I sincerely hope he stays, as our core group and what he’s created for us are so unique to be a part of. I adore playing under his direction and for England.”
The Football Association continues to support Southgate. Mark Bullingham, the chief executive, issued a statement on Sunday morning thanking Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland for preparing the team “exceptionally well” over the entire campaign. Bullingham said that the team was youthful, implying that the future was promising.
Bullingham stated, “We are immensely proud of Gareth, the players, the coaches, and the support staff for all their hard work.”
Maguire grew fond of the topic. The central defender has always felt Southgate’s support, especially during the past year and a half when he has struggled with his form.
“Gareth has been wonderful with me,” remarked Maguire. “Fantastic with every performer. I’m certain that if you questioned every player… they wouldn’t be able to speak highly enough about him. His man-management.
How this team has been constructed and evolved. Everything is handled exceptionally well, and he makes all the appropriate tactical judgments. He has once again demonstrated this in this event.”
Rice remarked, “I believe that sometimes the hostility surrounding us will dissipate once we have won again… there will always be pressure on us.” But I sense that the tide is beginning to turn; we’re returning to a level where people believe in us and the country supports us.”
Maguire recalled a dismal locker room after the game, with an emphasis on introspection. “It was fairly peaceful,” he remarked. “Many young men sat there, dejected and introspective. Gareth and Steve Holland each spoke briefly, and that was it. Gareth expressed his admiration for us.
“This is the most disheartened I’ve ever felt, and it’s because we thought we would win the tournament. It is the first event I’ve attended where advancing to the semifinals or finals and losing would have been unacceptable.
It is beneficial that the group’s thinking has shifted over time. This squad is extremely talented, and they and we will have future opportunities.”
Rice stated that England had “controlled the game,” limiting France to only a few clear scoring opportunities. “The fact that the superior squad lost demonstrates how far we’ve come,” he remarked.
Maguire stated, “We generated more opportunities, exerted greater pressure, and dominated the ball.” It is about major events at major times. We did not steal what was theirs; they took what was theirs.
There is a good reason why they are the global champs. And the reason for this is that they are clinical, brutal, and have experience.
“I am aware that we lost, but I believe this was our greatest performance against a formidable opponent. I believe France will go on to win the championship. And, if we’re being completely honest, we were far superior to them in several areas.
The one thing I would say about this group, which has been confirmed once more, is that we belong on this platform.”
