HARRY MAGUIRE says England stars want Gareth Southgate to stay out of the Euros.
Southgate is expected to retire after his fourth major tournament in Germany this summer – with the Three Lions favorites set to win their first trophy since 1966.
But despite Southgate, 53, being touted as the successor to Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Maguire claims he would prefer to see him as his international rather than club manager.
Ahead of hosting Brazil tomorrow, defender Maguire said: “We want to be successful at the European Championship. We don’t watch the World Cup; the European Championship is our main goal.
“And if Gareth is the man who will make us successful, then we want him to stay as long as possible.
“He has the respect of the players and everyone who worked under him.
“It’s so tough being England boss. It is one of the most researched jobs in the world.
“All you can look at is where we were before he took over and where we are now. Everyone will say: ‘Yes, but we have better players now’.
“But in previous years we had great players and we were not successful.
“He deserves a lot of credit, he has helped us a long way.
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“If you speak to anyone they will speak highly of Gareth’s tactical management, but also his man-management.”
Southgate’s contract expires in December and will not discuss a new deal until after the European Championship.
But it is believed he would prefer a return to club management.
Maguire was a cornerstone of England’s defense as they reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 European Championship, before a quarter-final exit in Qatar in 2022.
But the United man added: “I’m sure Gareth will say the same thing now: ‘it’s all about winning a trophy’.”
Maguire, who has won 62 caps under Southgate, was backed by the Lions boss even as he struggled for game time at United.
He added: “The faith and trust he has shown in me has been brilliant.”
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford claims the players will not be swayed by speculation over Southgate’s future.
He said: “Our goal is to win the European Championship. All the noise around everything else comes after.”