GARETH SOUTHGATE is determined to remain as England boss after the World Cup.
The defiant Three Lions boss penned a three-year contract after reaching the Euro 2020 final last year.
But he has come under increasing pressure since the Euros, overseeing a disastrous Nations League campaign.
A six-game winless run, including a 4-0 defeat to Hungary in June, has been less than ideal preparation for the Qatar World Cup.
Southgate, 52, was in attendance at yesterday's Euro 2024 qualifying draw – and outlined his desire to remain in charge for the upcoming campaign.
He said: "As we speak now, I’m contracted to this time in 2024, but I am also well aware in football you have to get results.
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"So the plan is there and the desire for continuity is there too, but I also don’t take for granted that you can underperform and expect to stay in that office."
The Three Lions' dismal Nations League campaign saw them fall into Pot 2 for the draw – and being drawn alongside wily old foes Italy.
England will face the Azzurri in a rematch of last year's Euro 2020 final after drawing them from Pot 1.
They will also have to navigate Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta.
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On the opposition, Southgate added: "It’s clearly a tough draw given the quality of the opposition.
"We’ve had draws in qualification that have probably been a little bit more comfortable.
"Although, I’d have to say, Poland and Hungary in the last qualifying group was particularly tough as well. So we’re used to that.
"The draws are what they are, it’s how you perform on the day.
"England’s record against Italy is generally not very good — and we’ve got to improve that."
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