Alan Shearer expects Euro final defeat to spell the end for Gareth Southgate

Former England captain Alan Shearer feels the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain will probably be Gareth Southgate’s last match as manager.

Nico Williams had broken the deadlock early in the second half, but substitute Cole Palmer struck an equaliser to give England hope.

However, Mikel Oyarzabal then hit a late winner to secure a 2-1 victory for Spain in Berlin.

Speculation will now turn to the future of Southgate, who took England to the final of Euro 2020 three years ago but suffered a similar fate against Italy.

The 53-year-old is out of contract with England at the end of the year, and despite insisting he will take time to consider his position, Shearer believes Southgate’s time is up.

“I suspect he might say ‘over to someone else’. I suspect it will be Southgate’s last game,” said former Blackburn and Newcastle striker Shearer, who was part of the England squad with Southgate which reached the semi-finals at Euro 96.

“There will be great disappointment at home. Yes, we could have played more attacking football, but they have got to the final – but when you are here, you have got to get over the line.

We fell short of what we wanted to achieve this summer, but this group gave everything and have done us proud.

Your support in Germany and back home has been incredible. Thank you. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YBivqQXfJe

— England (@England) July 14, 2024

Shearer said on BBC One: “The reality is he got us to a final three years ago (at Euro 2020) and got us to a final here, and hasn’t won. That will hurt him, and maybe he will think it’s time for someone else.”

Former England striker Gary Lineker – who reached the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup – also believes the demands of what is often labelled ‘the impossible job’ will have