Gareth Southgate ddp images

Gareth Southgate wants to guide England into 2022 World Cup in Qatar

England were the betting favorites to topple Italy in Sunday's UEFA European Championship final but fell via a penalty shootout defeat. 

Three Lions coach Gareth Southgate received some criticism for not actively pursuing a second goal after Luke Shaw opened the scoring in the second minute of Sunday's contest, but the boss said Monday he wants to keep his job through the 2022 World Cup in Qatar that begins Nov. 21 of next year. 

"I don't think now is an appropriate time to be thinking about it," Southgate responded when asked about potentially signing a new contract, per Sky Sports. "We have to qualify for Qatar. I need time to go away and reflect on Euro 2020. I need a rest.

"It is an amazing experience but to lead your country in these tournaments takes its toll. I said at the time it is great to have that internal support, you greatly value that as a manager. I don't want to commit to anything longer than I should and I don't want to outstay my welcome so all of those things need consideration. I want to take the team to Qatar, I feel we have made progress over the four years, we have had a fourth, a third and a second-placed finish and that is as good as anyone." 

Sky added that Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham wants to extend Southgate's deal through Euro 2024, but the coach's comments suggest he could step down following next year's World Cup. Southgate guided England to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and has been linked in rumors with a return to club football.

He previously served as manager of Championship side Middlesbrough. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Donovan Mitchell channeled 'The Answer' in first-round win vs. Magic
Defending champion Golden Knights ousted by Stars in first round
Rangers hold off late Hurricanes rally to take early series lead
Watch: Kyle Larson wins closest finish in NASCAR Cup Series history
Watch: Shohei Ohtani homers twice as Dodgers sweep Braves
Russell Westbrook reacts to reports of him leaving Clippers
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah joins elite company in victory vs. Tottenham
Anthony Edwards joins exclusive club of all-time greats
Aces sign All-Star G Jackie Young to contact extension through 2025
J.J. Watt reveals his thoughts on a potential NFL comeback
Taylor Pendrith outlasts Ben Kohles at Byron Nelson for maiden win
Andrey Rublev conquers Felix Auger-Aliassime, fever for Madrid title
Lando Norris wins Miami Grand Prix for his first career F1 victory
Watch: Astros woes continue in one-run loss to Mariners
Panthers star throws some shade at defeated Maple Leafs
NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas delayed
Watch: Juan Soto's three-run double gives Yankees 5-2 lead over Tigers in seventh
Pirates GM responds to calls to promote ace pitching prospect
Dodgers place right-hander on 15-day injured list
Former All-Pro CB medically cleared for football activities