Southgate will take his time on England future after World Cup exit

England have begun their journey home from Qatar as Gareth Southgate deliberates over his future in the wake of their World Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of France.

Harry Kane scored one penalty and missed another against the reigning champions on Saturday night in a 2-1 defeat for the Euro 2020 runners-up.

England's wait to emulate Alf Ramsey's 1966 heroes goes on as attention turns to manager Southgate as he processes the last-eight loss and ponders his future.

The 52-year-old has a contract until the European Championship in 2024 but wants to ensure he has the energy required to go again and that the decision is right for the team.

"I think whenever I finish these tournaments, I've needed time to make correct decisions," manager Southgate said.

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"Emotionally you go through so many different feelings. The energy it takes through these tournaments is enormous.

"I want to make the right decision, whatever that is for the team, for England, for the FA. I've got to be sure whatever decision I make is the right one.

"I think it's right to take time to do that because I know in the past my feelings have fluctuated in the immediate aftermath of tournaments."

Put to him that he has the kind of talented players that may tempt him to stay, Southgate said: "No, of course.

"We've always wanted to develop a group that can sustain the types of tournaments that we've had. I think we are continuing to do that.

"It's more, you know, the decisions around... to go again is a lot of energy