Manager does not want to ‘do a Capello’ and sign before tournament

Gareth Southgate says he did not want to “do a Capello” by signing a new contract as England manager before Euro 2024.

The Football Association gave Fabio Capello a new £6m-a-year contract before a ball had been kicked at the 2010 World Cup. England were then beaten by Germany in the round of 16 and Capello had to be paid off when he was sacked.

Southgate’s current deal runs until the end of 2024, and he says he does not want to team to find themselves in a similar media storm over his own contractual matters.

The Three Lions manager (above) said: “We’ve consciously shelved any discussions internally about what might be next, because if we had sat and signed a new contract and done that before the tournament, everybody would have said: ‘Well, you did this with Capello and you should be proving yourself before you sign.’ “I’m relaxed about that and I have no idea where we’ll be in the middle of July, other than I hope it’s Trafalgar Square and let’s get the party on.” Southgate is on track to become England’s third-longest serving coach, in terms of games, this summer (on 91 games) – surpassing Sir Bobby Robson’s 95. Only Sir Walter Winterbottom (139) and Sir Alf Ramsey (113) have overseen more England games.

The 53-year-old came within inches of claiming a first major title for England in 55 years three years ago, losing the Euro 2020 final to Italy on penalties, but is often criticised for lack of tactical adventure and trophies – something many believe he may rectify this summer. “My focus is delivering the best possible Championship. Since I came to St George’s, our target has been being in the final four of things, with the ultimate aim of winning.”