Gareth Southgate after signing his England extension
Gareth Southgate after signing his England extension

England manager Gareth Southgate signs contract extension


England boss Gareth Southgate has signed a new contract to remain in the job until 2022.

The 48-year-old will stay as Three Lions manager through to the World Cup in Qatar.

Assistant Steve Holland has also agreed a new deal with the Football Association for the same duration.

Southgate, who guided England to the World Cup semi-finals in the summer, said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the national team through the next two major tournaments.

"The job remains an incredible privilege and a true honour. Experiencing at first hand how the nation united behind the team this summer was something special and it will be great to see how far this young squad can go in the years to come.

"I must acknowledge the hard work and commitment of my staff and the players over the last two years.

"I have learned a great deal from them and their passion and professionalism in representing England has been an inspiration to my own work.

"In particular, Steve Holland who I'm pleased to be continuing to work alongside through to 2022. I would also like to thank Martin (Glenn, FA chief executive), Dan Ashworth and the FA board for their support since my original appointment."

Former England Under-21 boss Southgate signed an initial four-year contract in 2016 after replacing Sam Allardyce, who lasted just 67 days in the job.

Southgate has been rewarded after England reached the last four in Russia in July.

The team lost 2-1 to Croatia after extra-time before being beaten 2-0 by Belgium in the third-place play-off.

It was the joint best World Cup performance by an England team on foreign soil.

Chief executive Glenn said: "Securing Gareth on a longer-term contract was always a priority for us. He has performed remarkably well and has given everyone the belief that England can compete on a world stage again.

"He is also a tremendous ambassador for the organisation, our development teams and the wider work of the FA, although his focus is rightly solely on helping the elite team.

"We wish him all the best for the rest of the UEFA Nations League and UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying next year, which of course brings with it the exciting prospect of final-round matches at Wembley."

England face Croatia behind closed doors in Rijeka on October 12 in the Nations League.

The World Cup finalists will complete a stadium ban after having a swastika on their pitch in 2015.

Southgate's side then travel to Seville to play Spain, who won 2-1 at Wembley in England's first Nations League match last month.

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