Gareth Southgate reveals family persuaded him not to quit as England boss after World Cup and opens up about abuse from fans

GARETH SOUTHGATE admits his family persuaded him not to quit as England boss after his World Cup heartbreak.

And the Three Lions boss has shrugged off the abuse from angry fans, vowing “I can handle it.”

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Southgate’s England team looked destined for potential greatness as they progressed through the group stage in Qatar.

Captain Harry Kane and co made light work of Iran before bouncing back from their draw in the USA with a win against Wales.

Equally impressive was England’s 3-0 win over Senegal in the round of 16.

But Southgate’s plan was dashed by a stubborn French side in the quarter-finals when Kane missed a late penalty as eventual runners-up prevailed 2-1.

The fallout put Southgate’s position in the spotlight, with some questioning how he survived after missing three straight tournaments.

However, the FA were keen for their man to stay and Southgate ultimately chose to stay for Euro 2024.

But the England boss, 52, admits it was his family who persuaded him to try the job again.

Southgate is married to his wife Alison, also 52, and the couple have two children, Mia, 22, and Flynn, 18.

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And the trio convinced the tactician that his country still had a shot at glory.

Southgate told ITV: “They (my family) left Doha and said you have to try again and try to get that trophy.

“There was negativity about being in charge and the last thing I wanted was that that’s the overarching feeling of going into a World Cup when you need the fans and everyone behind the team.

“You need that energy; They need that togetherness.

“And if the debate was just about finding flaws in what we’re doing for me to end up leaving, it would have been very difficult for the team to do their best.”

As far as fan resentments and insults go, it was all water off the back of a duck.

Southgate added: “I don’t think anyone would walk over at the end of a game and be verbally abused, but I’ve been in football long enough to know that.

“I can handle it, and you have to guide your players through those moments too.

“I don’t think anyone can say they enjoy it, but it won’t dictate exactly what I do and don’t do either.”