ITV 'prepare offer' for Gareth Southgate as England boss backed to quit as manager

ITV have already offered Gareth Southgate the chance to work as a pundit on future England coverage, should the 53-year-old choose to step down as Three Lions boss.

England limped to a sheepish showing against eventual winners Spain, with the one-time world champions outclassed and outfought by their European counterparts.

Southgate has come under increased pressure in the aftermath of the defeat, with pundits urging the former player to walk away from the job this summer.

But his stint away from the national team might be shortlived, as ITV are pushing to bring him back as a pundit, if he walks away from the England hot seat.

That's according to The Daily Mail, who report Southgate is held in 'high esteem' by the broadcaster's bosses, who want to make him part of their panel for 'their coverage ahead of the next World Cup and beyond.'

ITV's apparent interest could spark a Tug of War, as the Football Association want Southgate to remain in charge for the upcoming World Cup in North America.

The England manager's contract is due to expire in December of this year, but it's believed an improved offer is available to Southgate, should he choose to take it.

However, in the immediate aftermath of Sunday's final defeat, pundits were calling for the manager's head, suggesting Southgate has taken England as far as he can.

Speaking on the BBC's coverage, former team-mate Alan Shearer said: "I think Gareth Southgate will look at what's happened this tournament and whether he's been able to get the best out of the team.

"I know they've had some issues in terms of lacking the balance and trying to play in a different way.

"But the big picture is - he got us to a final three years ago, didn't win, got us to a final today and hasn't been able to get over the line again. That will hurt him. I suspect he might say, 'Over to someone else.'"

While Rio Ferdinand added: “You have to look at what talent pool we have and I don't feel like we are putting them in the best position possible. I think the manager has to take some stick for that. The FA have got a big decision to make.”

Ultimately, that decision will fall to Southgate himself, with the two-time European Championship runner-up admitting he's taking some time to evaluate his position before concluding on what comes next.

Commenting after England's final defeat, Southgate said: "It's hard to reflect so soon after a defeat like this. To take England to two finals has never been done, but we came here to win and we haven't. We haven't been able to take that last step.

"I need to have conversations with important people behind the scenes rather than publicly. Many of this squad will be around in two, four, six years time."

England return to action in early September, with a Nations League tie against Ireland in Dublin, before heading back to Wembley for a clash against Finland.