Contract will not be a distraction ahead of Euro 2024 – Southgate

England manager Gareth Southgate says his contract situation is “not a problem and never has been” as he enters the final six months of his contract ahead of the European Championships in Germany.

Southgate, who has managed the Three Lions since 2016, considered leaving the job after the World Cup quarter-final defeat by France in Qatar but remained in charge.

The Football Association wants Southgate to remain as coach. He will manage a fourth major tournament this summer as the men's team looks to win their first trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

And the 53-year-old, who will have played the same number of England games as Sir Bobby Robson when the tournament begins, says talks about his future will not be a distraction.

“Well, for me it’s not a problem and never has been,” Southgate said.

“I have to deliver a successful tournament for England and that requires enough work. I think everyone would expect that’s what I should focus on.”

Southgate has played down links to the Manchester United job as manager Erik ten Hag is under pressure.

“There will always be speculation about managers because if you lose a few games you are in trouble – you win a few games and that is a different agenda,” Southgate said.

“But for me it is [Euro 2024] is a great opportunity. We are looking forward to the tournament. My focus is on how we can go one step further than at the last European Championship [when they were beaten on penalties in the final by Italy].”

Southgate spoke to BBC Sport about how he manages expectations, incorporating all of his star players into the England starting line-up, Jude Bellingham, and acting as a spokesman.

Southgate on squad selection for Euro 2024

Southgate will select his first squad for Euro 2024 on Tuesday – UEFA has approved 26-man squads for the tournament.

While England have some of the best attacking options in Europe, they also have injury concerns in defence, particularly at full-back, where Luke Shaw, Ben Chilwell, Reece James and Kieran Trippier have all missed significant periods of the season.

Southgate said he had “challenges” that the extra options could help with, but added that he was “deciding whether 26 was the right amount” and said: “There is no point in signing more players than we need .”

England will play friendlies against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland before revealing their final squad on June 7.

“We can’t all start” – Southgate on England’s starting XI

Much of the fan discussion in England revolves around how to find space in the starting XI for a generation of excellent strikers.

Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Ollie Watkins have each enjoyed great seasons at their clubs and the debate over Foden in a central position has gained momentum in recent weeks.

“Well, we can’t all start,” Southgate said.

“These are nice problems. You would rather have talent and make decisions based on form than not have those options and worry about who should play what position.”

“I think any manager would say the same thing. You’d rather have good players to work with and choose from.”

Southgate on England expectations

England goes into the tournament in Germany as one of the favorites to win.

The depth of talent, the strength of the Premier League, as well as the history of reaching the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the 2021 European Championship final and the perceived evolution of the team's style of play in Qatar, suggests that a lot is expected from Southgate's side.

The England coach agreed that expectations were higher than usual, saying: “Perhaps expectations are a little more in line with performance than in the past.”

He added: “And I think there are always expectations for England anyway, we know that.”

“But I think based on the experiences we have had in the last few tournaments there is trust in the playing group and the staff.”

Southgate on Bellingham's 'insatiable will to win'

Jude Bellingham has continued to prove he is one of the best midfielders in the world since his €103m (£88.5m) move to Real Madrid.

The 20-year-old won the La Liga title and reached a Champions League final in his first season – and is likely to play an important role as England look to progress to the final stages of the tournament.

Southgate believes Bellingham's ability to “pack games” makes him “unusual”.

“[He’s shown] “He has achieved an amazing maturity in settling into the biggest club in world football in its history and having the impact that he has had with the number of goals, big goals and winning goals,” Southgate said.

“He has an insatiable will to win. That mentality might be what makes it special.”

Southgate on his role as spokesman

Southgate will be asked to speak on topics beyond just football. During his time as manager he has been asked to comment on racism, the Covid pandemic, the color of the flag on the back of the shirt and also his opinion on whether the Wembley Arch should be lit up.

The England coach says he accepts his role as the country's “statesman” but it can be “unusual” for him.

“The difference is that I think managers are usually only asked about football,” he said.

“It's a position where you have responsibility and influence, so there are times where you'll probably be asked to comment on things, whereas I'd probably rather just focus on football, but I get it and have me “got used to it over the years.” guess.”