'I'd like to see him stay' - England's 1966 hero Geoff Hurst urges Gareth Southgate to remain as Three Lions boss despite Euro 2024 heartbreak

Southgate's England contract is set to expire in December, with many fans and pundits split on whether he should remain in charge. The FA have been briefed in case of his departure but 1966 World Cup hero Hurst is keen for him to stay on and lead the Three Lions into the World Cup.

Speaking to The Guardian, the 82-year-old said: "I’d like to see him stay. Why wouldn’t you want to keep somebody who has done what he has [done] over the last six years in comparison with the past? But I think it will be down to Gareth – it’s an unbelievably stressful job.

"Jurgen Klopp is taking time off because of the gigantic pressure he had to deal with at Liverpool and you could quite understand if Gareth decided to do the same after so many years and all the criticism that you inevitably get in that job. He will have to discuss that with his family, which is far more important than managing a football team."

Hurst knows what it takes to win. He worked under the legendary Alf Ramsey in 1966 so has seen first-hand the quality a world-class manager has. Southgate's stocks will have risen with the former striker's endorsement, despite the frustrations of other England fans.

Ultimately, the decision will lay with whether Southgate has the hunger to continue. Reports have suggested the FA are keen to keep the 53-year-old on but after eight years in the role, he may want to forge a new path in his managerial career. England are not back in action until September, so there is plenty of time to let things simmer before an official decision is made.