Gareth Southgate named new England manager on four-year deal

Gareth Southgate has finally be named as England’s new manager on a permanent basis as the former England international signed a four-year contract on Wednesday.

Southgate, 46, took charge of England on an interim basis for the last four games since Sam Allardyce was let go in disgrace in September.

The former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender had previously coached England U21 side since 2013 and led them to victory in the Toulon Tournament this summer.

It is believed Southgate’s contract with the English FA has a two-year break clause in it, meaning the FA could end his deal after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

“I am extremely proud to be appointed England manager. However, I’m also conscious that getting the job is one thing, now I want to do the job successfully,” Southgate said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the players over these past four games and I think there’s huge potential. I’m determined to give everything I have to give the country a team that they’re proud of and one that they’re going to enjoy watching play and develop. For me, the hard work starts now.”

You can see more from Southgate below as he reflects on his appointment, while there’s no doubting his success during an interim spell (England beat Scotland and Malta, plus drew with Slovenia in three World Cup qualifiers plus a draw against Spain in a friendly which England led 2-0) plus his familiarity with the young English players coming through the ranks were big factors in his appointment.

Southgate’s first games in charge on a permanent basis will be against Germany in an away friendly on Mar. 22 and then a World Cup qualifier at home against Lithuania on Mar. 26.

🎥 @GarethSouthgate speaks to FATV about his appointment as new #ThreeLions manager https://t.co/wZayKR65Px

— England (@England) November 30, 2016

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