Gareth Southgate accepts his job will be in jeopardy if England bomb at the World Cup.
External pressure is growing on the England manager following a dismal run of five competitive matches without victory, while his team have not scored a goal from open play for more than 450 minutes.
While there is no appetite from inside the FA to make a change after the tournament in December, sources at Wembley fear that Southgate could walk away regardless of how England perform in Qatar.
The England boss last year signed a contract extension until after Euro 2024. But Southgate, whose team face Germany at Wembley on Monday night, admitted his future will depend on how England perform at the World Cup.
‘I know ultimately I will be judged on what happens at that World Cup,’ he said. ‘Contracts are irrelevant in football because managers can have three, four, five-year contracts and you accept that if results are not good enough it is time to go your separate ways.
‘Why would I be any different? I am not arrogant enough to think that my contract is going to protect me in any way.’
‘I am absolutely appreciative of the FA’s support. But, of course, we understand how the mood changes with the results. I will be judged on what we do in Qatar and I am perfectly happy to be judged in that way.
‘History is history and you are judged on the next match and the next tournament.’
Meanwhile, Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope appears to be winning the race to be Jordan Pickford’s understudy at the World Cup.
There has been a clamour for Aaron Ramsdale to even overtake Pickford as England’s No 1 in recent months given his excellent form at Arsenal.
However, Pope started for England in Pickford’s absence against Italy on Friday night and the Newcastle keeper is hopeful of being selected again on Monday, which would provide a clear indication that he is ahead of Ramsdale in the pecking order.
Southgate is set to continue with the three-at-the-back system used in Milan, with John Stones likely to return to the team after his suspension.
It remains to be seen, however, if Harry Maguire keeps his place in the team that started at the San Siro. Maguire was booed last time he played for England at Wembley, though Southgate gave the defender his unequivocal backing last week following a tough start to the season.