England want to keep Gareth Southgate regardless of if they win or lose Euro final

The former defender has led England to their second consecutive European Championship final.

According to Fabrizio Romano, they want him to stay on as Three Lions coach whether he lifts the trophy this weekend or not.

Internal talks have already taken place to confirm total confidence in Southgate and fresh talks regarding a new contract are scheduled to take place when the 53-year-old returns home from Germany.

England booked a spot in the Euros final with a 2-1 win over Holland on Wednesday, thanks to a late goal from substitute Ollie Watkins and assisted by fellow sub Cole Palmer.

Southgate was praised for his decision to bring on the two attackers when he did, as both teams had been at a deadlock up until that point.

They will now face Luis de la Fuente's Spain in Berlin on Sunday, where they could secure England's first men's major title in 58 years.

While England have made it to the final through lacklustre performances and by scraping results, Spain have lit the tournament alight thanks to youngsters Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo.

Regardless of what unfolds on Sunday, The Times reports that FA chief executive Mark Bullingham has already made plans to extend Southgate's contract, which runs out in December.

Bullingham is apparently keen to keep the Watford-native on board for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico - which would mark his 10th year in the job.

While a large number of England fans called for his resignation midway through the tournament after a poor group stage - some threw beer cups at him from the stands in Cologne following a goalless draw with Slovenia - they changed their tune over the past ten days thanks to the stoic success of the team throughout the knockout rounds.

Speaking about the challenge that lies ahead for his side this weekend, Southgate said: "They have won a few trophies. They are a bloody good side. Let’s pitch it right. We have got to be perfect to win this game and we will have to find everything that we have got from within us.

"We have got players who have played lots of big matches so they will know what is required on the night but in the next couple of days we have got to get ­perfectly prepared as it is such a quick turnaround."