Southgate Set for Pundit Position after Quitting England Job

ITV will offer Gareth Southgate a pundit role after he stepped down from the England job.

Mail Sport understands that the Three Lions boss, whose side suffered back-to-back Euros final heartache in Berlin on Sunday night, is held in high esteem by the broadcaster, which is ready to make him a key part of their coverage ahead of the next World Cup and beyond.

Ahead of England’s devastating late 2-1 loss to champions Spain, Southgate said he would take a few days to consider his future.

His contract with the FA expires in December and bosses want him to stay but it remains to be seen whether he will extend his deal.

Southgate has come in for fierce criticism in some quarters, despite leading England to consecutive Euro finals and World Cup semi and quarter-finals.

The 53-year-old has admirers at a high level within ITV and the prospect of him joining their panel is one they are keen on making a reality, although it is unlikely he would be in place 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 who will now return to Sky Sports.

Throughout the tournament, ITV’s Roy Keane has been supportive and conciliatory towards the England manager, who has been in the job for eight years, and the pair have worked together before. 

The Irishman’s stance has been in stark contrast to the BBC’s coverage, with Gary Lineker’s criticism in particular thought to have stung Southgate. 

While Lineker made his strongest barb on his podcast, it is unlikely to have done the BBC any favours should they show an interest in offering the former Aston Villa and Crystal Palace defender a slot.

It also remains to be seen whether Harrogate-based Southgate would examine a return to club football. 

Before joining the FA he was manager at Middlesbrough, for whom he also played, for three years. Manchester United have been mentioned as potential suitors but it is understood a move to Old Trafford is highly unlikely.