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Capello backs Southgate to stay as England boss on one condition

Gareth Southgate - England
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The England manager’s future is unclear after his side’s underwhelming World Cup campaign.

Fabio Capello believes Gareth Southgate should stay as England’s manager if the players are behind him.

Southgate is under contract until 2024, but he might part ways with the national team before the next European Championship.

Having led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, Southgate hoped to finally end the Three Lions’ long wait to win their second World Cup trophy in Qatar.

But a 2-1 defeat against France in the quarter-finals saw Southgate’s star-studded squad suffer another frustrating World Cup exit.

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The former Middlesbrough manager was criticized for his substitutions against France. But Capello believes Southgate must decide for himself whether he wants to stay as England’s manager.

“He’s done a good job and created a really good team, a young team,” the former England manager told Sky Sports.

“He has to decide to stay or leave. This is his problem. If you are sure that the players follow, you have to stay. If you think the players are not with you, then you have to leave.

“This is my idea. Southgate can decide freely, though.

“To understand he [also] has to talk to the FA. Do you believe in me? Yes. Do you not believe in me? Then go. Bye bye.”

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