Declan Rice and Harry Maguire back Gareth Southgate to stay

England’s World Cup dream is over sooner than many fans would have hoped but Declan Rice and Harry Maguire have both backed Gareth Southgate to continue as the England Manager.

Southgate has kept tight-lipped about the prospect of continuing as manager despite being under contract until December 2024.

“I hope he stays,” Rice said. “Obviously, I don’t know. There’s a lot of talk around that. He’s been brilliant for us. There’s a lot of criticism that’s not deserved. He’s taken us so, so far. Further than what people can expect.

“He got everything spot on again [against France]. It’s not on him at all. We played the right way. I really hope he stays because the core group that we’ve got and what he’s made for us – it’s so special to be a part of. I love playing under him and I love playing for England.”

“Gareth has been amazing with myself,” Maguire said. “Amazing with every player. I’m sure if you asked every player … they wouldn’t be able to speak highly enough of him. His man-management. The way that this team has been built and developed over a period of time. He handles everything really well and tactically he gets all the big decisions right. He has proven that again in this tournament.” (Guardian)

Mark Marston | GWFN

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