Former England forward Teddy Sheringham believes it is unfair and distracting to suggest that Gareth Southgate should step down as manager after the World Cup regardless of how the team performs in Qatar.
Last week, Jamie Carragher argued that the time would be right for Southgate to move aside following six years in charge.The ex-Liverpool star said it would allow Southgate to go "on his own terms" after displaying “excellence” in the role to date and that he is intelligent enough to realise a “mood shift” in recent months.
But Sheringham, who has been friends with Southgate for two decades, thought those comments were unhelpful as England aim to go all the way in Doha.
“He’s been perfect for England over the past six years and I don’t see any reason why he should stop, especially if we win the World Cup,” Sheringham said. “I know that’s a big if and the expectancy levels are there because of how well he has done in the past two tournaments.
“We want to do well but it’s harsh to talk about him going straight after the World Cup regardless of what happens. That’s just an unwanted statement that is going to rile people.”
At the same time Sheringham believes anything less than winning the World Cup would be a disappointment, saying there are only “winners and first losers, second losers and so on.”
He has also baulked at the idea of Southgate being overly pragmatic as the calls for the manager to release the handbrake from critics grow louder.
Yet Sheringham believes a fast start is imperative on Monday against an Iran side known for their defensive resilience - not least to keep those critics quiet.
“Gareth is an astute man and has looked into what is needed to win tournaments, what is needed to go far,” Sheringham added. “But our main problem at the moment is going into the tournament without warming up.
"We can’t start slowly against Iran, with a scabby draw or something, because that will bring its own pressure. Iran will not come out to try and beat us, so it will be up to us to take the game to them. That one will be about playing the flair players from the start.
“We all need our solidity. That’s the way we are - we work hard and we’re organised. It’s a little different now with everyone questioning the back four but once they get a bit of work in together they will be solid again. The same way they have in the last two tournaments.”
Teddy Sheringham will be hosting the first of Budweiser’s Official England Watch Parties for Iran vs England on 21 November at The Outernet venue in Tottenham Court Road. For the full list of events and tickets, click here .
