Gareth Southgate hints his time as England manager is over after use of one word in his post-match interview

Gareth Southgate has dropped a major hint about his future after England’s devastating loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

The Three Lions lost to Spain in the final of the 2024 European Championships at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.

Spain went into the match as favourites to lift the trophy after breaking records for winning all seven of their previous matches in the tournament.

A winning goal from Mikel Oyarzabal ensured that Spain continued their impressive run in the final and lifted the Euros trophy for the fourth time.

And Southgate has spoken out after failing to end England’s 58 year wait for a trophy.

Speaking after the match, Southgate may have already hinted that his time as England boss is over after using the word ‘they’ instead of ‘we’.

He said: “I think England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they've got now. The age of the squad.

“Most of this squad are going to be around not only for the World Cup but the next Euros as well.”

Southgate added: “There's a lot to look forward to but this moment is not any consolation.”

England’s disappointing performances early the tournament led to some calling for Southgate to step down as England manager mid tournament.

But after an improved performance against the Netherlands in the semi-final, all eyes turned to the match on Sunday to see if Southgate would stay on as England manager regardless of the result in the final.

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Ahead of the tournament, Southgate suggested that, should he fail to lead England to victory in the 2024 Euros, he would step down as manager.

Speaking to German newspaper BILD, Southgate said: “If we don't win, I probably won't be here anymore. So maybe it is the last chance.

“I think around half the national coaches leave after a tournament – that's the nature of international football. I've been here almost eight years now and we've come close.

“You can't constantly put yourself in front of the public and say, ‘A little more please’ as at some point people lose faith. If we want to be a great team and I want to be a top coach, you must deliver in big moments.”