Southgate signs new contract to 2024

Published November 23, 2021
England coach Gareth Southgate stands on the touchline during the World Cup 2022 group I qualifying football match between San Marino and England at Olympic Stadium, in Serravalle, San Marino, Nov 15. — AP
England coach Gareth Southgate stands on the touchline during the World Cup 2022 group I qualifying football match between San Marino and England at Olympic Stadium, in Serravalle, San Marino, Nov 15. — AP

LONDON: Gareth Southgate, England's most successful manager for more than half a century, has ended any speculation about his future by signing a new contract through to the end of 2024, the Football Association (FA) announced on Monday.

Since being handed the job on a full-time basis in 2016, the former England international has revitalised the nation’s fortunes, taking them to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the final of European Championship this year.

The 51-year-old Southgate’s future had been the source of some uncertainty with his much-admired work with the national team making him a candidate for some of the top club jobs.

Southgate’s deal was set to expire after next year’s World Cup but he has been rewarded after England reached the Euro 2020 final — their best performance at a major tournament for 55 years. The new deal means he and his assistant Steve Holland will lead England to next year’s 2022 World Cup finals before taking them through qualifying for Euro 2024.

“There was never a consideration I wouldn’t go to Qatar,” Southgate said. “I wanted to be sure I was wholly committed beyond that. We have a great opportunity in front of us and I know they and the fans are all excited about what this squad could achieve in future.”

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.