SAMI MOKBEL: Gareth Southgate will have plenty of offers once he decides his time with England is up... but the FA could be fearful of him walking away if England lose to France

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If tonight is Gareth Southgate’s last stand, don’t expect him to bow out in a blaze of spontaneity.

Don’t expect him to resign in a toilet cubicle as Kevin Keegan did minutes after defeat by Germany at Wembley in 2000.

Don’t expect him to confirm his departure in the post-match press conference like Roy Hodgson after England’s humiliation against Iceland at Euro 2016.

Gareth Southgate (pictured) could decide to walk away from England if they lose to France

Southgate (pictured) may take time to consider whether he will see out his England contract

Southgate tends to take a more considered approach. He is unlikely to rush into an announcement. Though if you speak to various people in football, the 52-year-old has already made his decision.

Expect him to communicate that on his own terms. That is the minimum he deserves.

That said, it is important to consider that England’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign starts with a match against Italy in Naples on March 23.

The identity of the England manager — whether it is Southgate or someone else — will need to be finalised well in advance of that trip.

But the position will need to be confirmed before England's 2024 Euros qualifiers in March

Southgate's experience in the role makes him one of the most qualified person to do the job 

Whether Southgate decides to see out the final 18 months of his contract may require an extended period of reflection, though you would imagine he has a clear idea of the direction in which he is heading.

What is certain is that he is in full control of his destiny. There is no appetite from the FA to dispose of this country’s most successful manager since Sir Alf Ramsey.

The ball is in Southgate’s court. The uncertainty over his future, or more precisely the unwillingness from anybody to dispel it, suggests there is a decision to be made.

Speak to those close to Southgate and they will tell you his focus has been so transfixed on the World Cup he has had little time to think about anything else.

But it appears he isn't looking too far into the future and is transfixed on the 2022 World Cup

Major tournaments are all-encompassing, particularly here in Qatar when the turnaround between matches has been quicker than usual.

But it would be disingenuous to suggest Southgate has not thought about life after the World Cup. It is only natural to cast your mind further afield and prepare yourself for the future.

Southgate will spend time collecting his thoughts and of those whose opinions he values.

He is also expected to gauge the FA’s thoughts during a post-tournament debrief, though it is clear what their opinion is.

‘I would think the sun will come up tomorrow and life will be the same whatever happens,’ Southgate responded when asked about whether tonight’s quarter-final against France would be his last World Cup game in charge of England.

Southgate (L) has also been in contact with some domestic teams asking about his availability

It is partly Southgate’s reluctance to address the elephant in the room that has led to the speculation over his future with England. But if you look closely, the clues are there.

The booing he was subjected to following the 4-0 defeat by Hungary in June was disrespectful and idiotic. Sources have indicated he was taken aback by the reaction from the crowd.

This is a team, after all, that has reached a World Cup semi-final and European Championship final in the past four years. There was never a danger of Southgate walking away following that heavy defeat.

The experienced look of Southgate’s 26-man squad is another indication that he may walk away. This is a squad with an eye on instant success, not one with a view to the future.

But it's clear he is well respected as an excellent coach and as a mentor by players in England 

A number of chief executives have already checked on Southgate’s potential availability ahead of next year as rumours intensify. When Southgate decides his time with England is up, he will not be short of opportunities.

Earlier this year one club contacted Southgate, asking him to visit one of their England internationals amid concerns over his behaviour. It is understood the player’s conduct since that chat with Southgate has been much improved. It goes to show exactly how highly Southgate is valued within football circles.

Success on the pitch helps, of course. But Southgate’s humanity and his ability to connect with people should not be understated. Southgate’s allure is not just restricted to England, either. There are various clubs abroad who are watching developments closely as well.

For now, though, he will put personal questions to one side to focus on the collective.

No matter what happens, you would back him to make the right call. Southgate’s time as England manger tells us he rarely gets the big calls wrong.