November 20 – Gareth Southgate, who stepped into the role on an interim basis when Sam Allardyce was forced to step down over a newspaper sting after just 67 days in charge, has been given the England manager’s job on a four-year deal.
Southgate, 46, stepped up from his role as England Under-21s manager in September and oversaw two wins and two draws to put himself in pole position for the most high-profile job in English football despite a patchy record at club level.
When Roy Hodgson was sacked after England’s dismal Euro 2016 campaign, Southgate said was not ready for the senior job but has now been catapulted into the limelight after impressing the FA hierarchy during his brief interim spell.
“I am extremely proud to be appointed England manager. However, I am also conscious getting the job is one thing, now I want to do the job successfully,” said Southgate following his appointment.
“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.”
Southgate, who made 57 appearances for England as a defender, becomes the fourth permanent manager of the national team in as many years with the immediate challenge of not only qualifying for the World Cup in Russia – a relatively straightforward task in an easy group – but also making inroads into the finals themselves.
Before becoming part of the international set-up, Southgate’s only managerial experience was his three-year spell at Middlesbrough, who were relegated under his tenure. But his full involvement in the development of the national team worked in his favour, according to Football Association chief executive Martin Glenn.
“He performed extremely well during the four games he was in temporary charge and he impressed us during a tough interview process,” said Glenn. “Gareth is a great ambassador for what the FA stands for, he’s a very good football tactician and a leader, but beneath that he’s a winner and that’s an important.”
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