Will Southgate be sacked before England travel to Qatar?
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England manager odds: Will Southgate get the boot before Qatar?
Gareth Southgate could be sacked before the World Cup in Qatar, according to Ladbrokes.
After a run of four games without a win and a disappointing 4-0 home defeat to Hungary on Tuesday night, the bookies make Southgate just 4/1 to be sacked before the tournament begins in November in the England manager odds.
Southgate took full responsibility for the record-breaking loss, the first time they have suffered a home defeat by four or more goals without scoring.
“It’s a chastening night,” admitted Southgate. “We’ve not lost not many football matches and when you lose so heavily at home, especially, with England that’s going to be very, very painful.”
Southgate has helped heal previous rifts between the England team and their supporters, taking them to a World Cup semi-final in 2018 and reaching the final of Euro 2020 last summer.
Gareth Southgate looks back on tonight's defeat at Molineux:pic.twitter.com/ubhHfdsDsV
— England (@England) June 14, 2022
But a minority turned against him in Wolverhampton, with some chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning”.
He added: “People pay to come and watch. They’re going to give an opinion. The team weren’t able to deliver, my responsibility, and so if the flak comes my way then I have to deal with that.
“It’s not realistic to have had the ride I’ve had for five years and not have bad nights. It’s not pleasant. I totally understand the response, I totally understand there’s been this narrative all week.
“I can’t dress up what’s happened in any way, shape or form but if we’re judged on the matches with our full-strength players, then I think it’s a different assessment.”
England now have just two games until they start their World Cup campaign, rounding off their Nations League group in September with a trip to Italy and a clash with Germany at Wembley.
Southgate retains the belief England will be among the favourites in Qatar despite this galling end to the current season.
Asked if he is still confident of World Cup success, he replied: “We’ve always said we are one of a group of teams that can be pushing in the winter. I don’t believe that’s any different.”
A very disappointing night for sure but a bit of perspective needed. We’ll take it on the chin and carry on preparation for another big tournament ahead. Time for a break now and come back stronger for what’s coming up. Thanks for all your support this camp. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/h1R5KoHVTn
— Harry Kane (@HKane) June 14, 2022
Captain Harry Kane believes Southgate is still the man to take England forward.
He told Channel 4: “Without any question. That’s not a question I should even be answering if I’m honest.”
Southgate is odds-on at 1/2 to manage his last game for the Three Lions in Qatar, with Graham Potter the 7/2 favourite to replace him in the England manager odds.
Alex Apati, of Ladbrokes, said: “Southgate will do well to bring football home if the latest odds are anything to go by and with fans beginning to turn on him, there’s a chance he might not even make Qatar at this rate.”
Ladbrokes’ latest England manager odds
Gareth Southgate NOT to be England manager at Qatar World Cup – 4/1
Gareth Southgate’s last game as England manager to come at Qatar World Cup – 1/2
Graham Potter – 7/2
Eddie Howe – 7/1
Mauricio Pochettino – 10/1
Frank Lampard – 12/1
Steven Gerrard – 12/1
Brendan Rodgers – 12/1
Steve Cooper – 14/1
Steve Holland – 16/1
Arsene Wenger – 16/1
Sean Dyche – 16/1
Pep Guardiola – 20/1
Jose Mourinho – 25/1
Scott Parker – 25/1
Dean Smith – 25/1
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
