Manager Gareth Southgate says Euro 2024 could be his “last chance” to win a trophy with England.
The 53-year-old has been at the helm since 2016, leading the team to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the Euro 2020 final, and the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar.
While his contract expires in December, the Football Association is keen for him to continue as manager through the next World Cup in 2026, which will be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
However, Southgate told the German newspaper Bild that failure to secure a trophy in Germany could mark the end of his tenure.
“If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here anymore. Then it might be the last chance,” he said.
“If we want to be a big team and I want to be a top coach, then you have to deliver in the big moments.”
Southgate’s side has had mixed preparations for the tournament, with a 3-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina followed by a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Iceland on Friday.
England will begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, 16 June, followed by matches against Denmark and Slovenia.
“I think about half of the national coaches leave after a tournament – that’s the nature of international football,” said Southgate, who has been linked to Manchester United if they sack Erik ten Hag.
“I’ve been here for almost eight years now and we’ve come close. So I know that you can’t keep standing in front of the public and saying ‘please do a little more’, because at some point people will lose faith in your message.
Asked why he did not sign a new contract before Euro 2024, Southgate said: “The reason is that there would have been more criticism, which would have put more pressure on the team.
“England did that once before with Fabio Capello and there was a big drama before the tournament. It’s better to check yourself after the tournament.”