Gareth Southgate will continue to coach England for another three years. Despite the lost European Championship final in the Netherlands, the former international has extended its contract until the end of 2024, it was announced on Monday. With it, he can follow in Bobby Robson’s footsteps.
“I’m delighted to be allowed to stay longer,” said Southgate. “It’s a privilege to lead this team. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the FA board for their support and the players and guidance staff for their hard work. I think the fans are excited about what we can achieve in the future.”
Under the leadership of Southgate, England lost the final of the European Championship in July at Wembley after penalties from Italy. Just before the end, the coach changed two players, which came to him after the final game in London.
It was the first time since 1966 that England had made it to the final of a major tournament. At that time ‘the Three Lions’ took the world title in their own country. It is also the only grand prize of the current number four in FIFA rankings to date.
If Southgate submits his contract until 2024, he will follow Bobby Robson’s footsteps. The iconic Brit also coached England for eight years (from 1982 to 1990). Only Alf Ramsey (1963-1974) and Walter Winterbottom (1946-1962) were longer coaches of the English Football Association.
The 51-year-old Southgate was appointed as England’s national coach in 2016. The midfielder, who played 56 matches for England and missed in the 1996 semifinal penalty series against Germany from 11 metres, succeeded Sam Allardyce at the time.
Allardyce then quit because of a notorious corruption scandal. At the time, Southgate had only coached Middlesbrough (2006-2009) and the promise team of England (2013-2016).
After a few lean years, England found its way up under Southgate. At the 2018 World Cup – the coach’s first major tournament – the English finished fourth after the lost semi-final against Croatia and the defeat against Belgium in the battle for third place.
England is currently preparing for the World Cup in Qatar, which will be played in a year’s time. The team immediately qualified for the global final tournament. In 2024 the European Championships will be held in Germany.
