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