Gareth Southgate will lead the England football team towards the 2018 World Cup and 2020 European Championship after being appointed permanent manager by the FA.
England football coach Gareth Southgate Photo: Photosport
The 46-year-old, who has been acting as interim manager since the end of September, succeeds Sam Allardyce who departed 67 days into the job after being caught up in a newspaper sting.
In a statement released after a meeting of the Football Association board at St George's Park, the FA said the former England defender had agreed to a four-year contract.
Southgate, who was in charge of England's under 21s for 32 games, has overseen two wins and a draw in England's three World Cup qualifying games since taking over in September, leaving England top of the group.
England also drew with Spain in a friendly under his coaching.
Gareth Southgate has been appointed permanent football manager of England Photo: AFP
"I am extremely proud to be appointed England manager. However, I'm also conscious that getting the job is one thing, now I want to do the job successfully," the former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough player said.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed working with the players over these past four games and I think there's huge potential.
"For me, the hard work starts now."
His first match in permanent charge will be away to Germany in a friendly in March, followed by a World Cup qualifier at home to Lithuania later that month.
- Reuters
