Gareth Southgate will not walk away from Young Lions

Gareth Southgate has insisted that he will not walk away from his role as England Under-21s boss following his side's exit from Euro 2015.

Southgate's charges lost 3-1 to Italy Under-21s last night in a defeat that ensures the Young Lions' third successive group-stage elimination from a major competition.

Nevertheless, the 44-year-old, who took the job in 2013, is encouraged by his work over the last two years and vows to see out his contract, which expires in 2017.

"I'm contracted to stay on, I'd like to stay on," he told Sky Sports News. "In the end, it's not my decision. But I think what we've done over two years has progressed the profile of the team, the style in which we've played.

"I think we've had some massive success stories in terms of individuals that have come through the programme.

"Even in this tournament one or two players that have come through have emerged from it. So I think people will look at all of that when they're making that decision."

Andrea Belotti and Marco Benassi netted first-half goals to send the Nerazzurri - who also failed to progress into the semi-finals - well on their way in Olomuc.

Benassi added a third on 72 minutes to effectively end England's hopes of progression, before Nathan Redmond struck a last-minute consolation, but the damage was done.

Portugal, with five points, won the group, with Sweden in second.