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Southgate appointed England manager
Gareth Southgate has been appointed as England manager on a four-year deal.
Southgate, 46, stepped up from his role as England Under-21s manager in September following Sam Allardyce’s departure after only 67 days in charge.
He oversaw two wins and two draws as interim boss and has signed a contract reportedly worth up to £2m a year. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the players over these past four games and I think there is huge potential,” said Southgate. “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. “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.” Former defender Southgate, who made 57 appearances for England as a player, becomes the fourth permanent manager of the national team in as many years.
The ex-Middlesbrough boss oversaw a comfortable World Cup qualifying win against minnows Malta, before his team laboured to a goalless draw in Slovenia. He took a significant step towards being appointed full-time manager with a 3-0 win against Scotland in qualifying earlier this month, before his team squandered a 2-0 friendly lead against Spain at Wembley to draw 2-2 four days later. Before becoming part of the international set-up, Southgate’s only managerial experience was his three-year spell at Boro, who were relegated under him in 2009.
Southgate’s understanding of international football and the development set-up at St George’s Park has proved important, according to Football Association chief executive Martin 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 part of the job,” he added. Southgate’s first competitive match in charge as permanent manager will be a friendly against Germany in Dortmund on 22 March.
Source: BBC
