Southgate ‘hugely excited’ to lead England into major tournament

England manager Gareth Southgate says he is “hugely excited” to be leading the country into Euro 2024 this summer.

Southgate, who will be managing England at his fourth major tournament, described it as an ‘amazing honour’ to be heading to Euro 2024.

“To lead your country into a major tournament is an amazing honour, a great privilege. It's just as exciting as it was ahead of Russia, if not more so."

Southgate has taken England closer than they have ever been to adding another major honour to their sole 1966 World Cup win.

Since assuming the role in 2016, he has guided England to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup, the last Euros final and the quarterfinals in Qatar, with some suggesting the next step is clear.

"You've seen Germany play the way they did last night, Spain today. There are a lot of good teams in this tournament. We have to be exceptional to progress through the group and the opportunity to go further.

"Our focus is to qualify from the group. When you're trying to achieve exceptional things you have to break it down into chunks. First priority is to get through the group and work from there."

Euro 2024 is the last tournament before Southgate's current contract expires later this year, and talks have not yet been held over a renewed deal.

Southgate did hint at added “pressure” of this being his last major tournament.

"I hate to put pressure on all the coaches but it could be the last tournament for all of them. This is the world we're in. I'm probably more relaxed about it because I've been to three, I know how it goes and how these events play out.”

“I am just trying now to prepare the team in the best possible way. We’re really looking forward to the beginning of the tournament.”

England kick off their Euros campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen. They then face games against Denmark and Slovenia.