Gareth Southgate has been urged to remain in charge of the England national team and follow Sir Alex Ferguson's example for greater success.
Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has suggested that there are aspects of Ferguson's illustrious reign at Old Trafford that Southgate should take inspiration from if he is to eventually end England's lengthy wait for a major honour. The Three Lions are still reeling from their recent World Cup elimination at the hands of France.
Hopes were high for England out in Qatar after some impressive group-stage performances before brushing aside Senegal in the round of 16, but their journey came to an end with a controversial defeat by Les Bleus. Southgate's men were on the wrong end of some questionable officiating before Harry Kane missed a late penalty.
The loss has prompted plenty of discussion over Southgate's future as England boss, with the manager himself conceding he has a lot to think about when it comes to his future in the role.
After the game, Southgate told reporters: "Whenever I finish these tournaments, you need time to make the correct decision. Emotionally, you’re going through many different feelings, the energy that it takes in these tournaments is enormous. I want to take the right decision, whatever that is, for the team."
The comments hardly read as if Southgate is certain he will stay on, but if it was up to Sheringham, the Three Lions boss would confirm he isn't going anywhere.
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"I don’t see any reason why it has to be his last tournament, I don’t think it should be. The only way I see it ending is if Southgate decides he wants to move on. Either way, he’s done an exceptional job, so I hope it’s not his last tournament," the former United star told Gambling.com.
Sheringham went on to claim how he'd like to see Southgate be given the chance to build a dynasty similar to Ferguson's, insisting he'll need time to do so.
"When Sir Alex was in charge of Manchester United for however many years, things just rolled on," he added.
"Senior players left, young players grew older and passed on their experience and good vibes to the next generation and it just kept going. That sort of continuity just makes things a lot easier to stay at the top and, if England continue to perform well in major tournaments, then long may that continue."
Southgate's reign has certainly divided opinion, with many claiming that England have only ever beaten opposition they were expected to under his watch before being toppled by the first superior side at each tournament.
Others feel as if the bond between fans and players that Southgate has been instrumental in overseeing is worthy of keeping him in the role, alongside the fact he has a Euros final and World Cup semi-final on his CV.
