Steady progress and England’s return in to the top of European football were enough of an incentive for the English Football Association to offer boss Gareth Southgate a new contract. Even though his current deal will run until the end of next year’s World Cup in Qatar, The FA is keen to tie the young tactician for years to come.England reached the semi-final of 2018 World Cup and then the final of the European Championship earlier this year. Despite not lifting the trophy, the national team’s progress was encouraging enough for the FA bosses to invest their trust in the former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender.Wednesday, 21.45: (5.20) Poland (3.45) England (1.75)The FA wants to reward him with a new deal, and are also aware he would like to return to club management at some point in the future.Southgate signed a four-year contract when he was appointed in November 2016, and after the 2018 World Cup he signed an improved four-year deal.And even though the media love to speculate on every national team manager’s fate, Southgate himself doesn’t believe that it makes any difference to the players if he or someone else is in charge.”I wouldn’t think they could care less, frankly! They’re not bothered who the manager is at club or country. One comes, one goes. The next one, they get on with it. So, no, it’s not a distraction in any way, shape or form. I’ve got 14 months. If you can get through 14 weeks as a manager you have done well, so it really isn’t an issue. I’m enjoying working with the team and I would imagine we won’t even discuss that until October or November.””A big opportunity for us.”Gareth Southgate looks ahead to tonight’s #WCQ in Poland… pic.twitter.com/Y3Nvjgm23Z— England (@England) September 8, 2021 England won their last major international trophy in 1996 when they lifted the World Cup at Wembley Stadium. Is Southgate the man to end the long wait?
