Southgate wants time to reflect after Euros heartbreak

England manager Gareth Southgate has put contract talks with the Football Association on hold after Euro final heartbreak against Italy last night - but says he hopes to lead the team to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Talking to the media the morning after England's shootout loss to Italy, Southgate said he felt like his "stomach has been ripped out".

He is contracted with the Three Lions until after the 2022 winter World Cup and the FA is keen to renew his deal.

"As I sit here today, I would want to be taking the team to Qatar," Southgate said.

"We of course have to qualify for Qatar. I need some time to watch last night's game again, to reflect on the tournament.

"I need a rest. It's an amazing experience to lead your country in these tournaments, but it takes its toll."

After taking England to the semis of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Southgate went one better at this summer's Euros, but fell at the final hurdle against the Azzurri, as England failed to secure a second major tournament success to join their 1966 World Cup triumph.

"But there's a lot to think through," Southgate added. "I feel we've made progress over four years. A lot of things we've done right and we know this team isn't at its peak yet.

"When you're in sport and you get to finals, those opportunities are so rare, so to be close, it's very hard the day after. You have given everything - the emotions are drained.

"We will go again. It's too easy to say we can go to the World Cup in Qatar and win - that's a bit glib. We still have to qualify, we still have to win. You have to start the cycle again.

"But to be able to work with these players every day has been fantastic, so when it comes to the end like it has now, it's hard."