Gareth Southgate says he wants to lead England at Qatar 2022 but has hinted at his reluctance to sign a new long-term deal.
Southgate's current deal expires after the World Cup next year, which is set to begin in less than 500 days' time in November 2022.
Mark Bullingham, the Football Association's chief executive, said before the last-16 win over Germany that the governing body wants to open talks with Southgate about a new long-term deal after the European Championship and England's run to Final will only have strengthened their resolve to tie down the 50-year-old.
But Southgate has said he needs a rest after last night's crushing defeat to Italy on penalties at Wembley and revealed he is wary of "outstaying his welcome" as England boss.
“I don't think now's an appropriate time to think about anything," Southgate said this morning. "We've got of course to qualify for Qatar but I need some time to go away, watch, watch last night's game again, reflect on the whole tournament.
"I need to rest.
"It's amazing experience but to lead your country in these tournament's is takes its toll and I need a break now.
"As I said at the time it was great to have that internal support, you hugely value that as a manager.
"But also there's a lot to think through, it's not about finance in any way or commitment, I don't want to commit to anything longer than I should and I never want to outstay my welcome.
"It's one of those things that need consideration before even thinking about sitting down and talking but as I sit here today I would want to be taking the team to Qatar, I feel that we've made progress over the four years.
"We've had a fourth place, third place in a second place, it's probably as good as any other team in Europe bar those that have won the tournament's themselves but for consistency, it's right up there.
"So, a lot of things we've done right and we know this team isn't at its peak yet but that doesn't guarantee winning because we know how difficult it is to get back to the state we've got two last night. That's why it's so painful to get so close."
