‘A great privilege’ – Southgate outlines next steps after signing new England deal

Gareth-Southgate-England-press-conference TEAMtalk

Gareth Southgate has committed his future to England on a new deal that will reportedly earn him up to £5m – making him the best-paid Three Lions coach since Fabio Capello.

The 51-year-old’s deal was set to expire after next year’s World Cup. However, he and his assistant Steve Holland have signed two-year extensions through to December 2024.

It is reward for the great strides England have made under Southgate. Indeed, later this month he celebrate five years in charge of the national team.

During that time the former Middlesbrough boss has enjoyed some briliant successes. He’s led the Three Lions to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, a third-placed finish in the Nations League and the final of the European Championship for the first time.

The next challenge will be go one step further as Southgate touched on the ‘incredible privilege’ in leading England.

“I am delighted that Steve and I have been able to extend our stay in our respective roles,” said Southgate.

“It remains an incredible privilege to lead this team. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark (Bullingham, Football Association chief executive), John (McDermott, technical director) and the board for their support – and of course the players and support team for their hard work.

“We have a great opportunity in front of us. I know they and the fans are all excited about what this squad could achieve in future.”

Bullingham admitted over the summer that it was the FA’s intention to offer Southgate a new deal.

Southgate talks up England potential

Southgate insisted he would not discuss his future until qualification for the World Cup was secured.

That goal was achieved this month as England sealed top spot in Group I. And that came courtesy of an emphatic 10-0 win in San Marino. That record away day came days after a 5-0 victory against Albania.

Southgate said after the win against San Marino: “We’ve shown over the last couple of years that we’ve got some really good strength in depth. I think that there is still a long way to go and room for improvement.

“This group have got a lot of potential and have really blended well as a team. They have formed a very strong bond and the way they have worked for each other has produced some really good performances and exceptional results, but we have got to keep evolving and improving.”