Football: Gareth Southgate named England manager

The FA have confirmed the appointment of Gareth Southgate as the new England manager.

Southgate has penned a four-year contract with the Three Lions to see him lead out his country at the 2018 World Cup and 2020 European Championships.

He said: "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.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed working with the players over these past four games and I think there's huge potential.

“I'm determined to give everything I have to give the country a team that they're proud of and one that they're going to enjoy watching play and develop.

“For me, the hard work starts now."

The FA's selection panel of Chief Executive Martin Glenn, Technical Director Dan Ashworth and Chairman Greg Clarke announced their decision after a board meeting yesterday.

Southgate, 46, was placed in charge of England on an interim basis for the past four matches following the departure of Sam Allardyce in the wake of a media sting.

Southgate's first competitive match as manager will be the international fixture against Germany in Dortmund on 22 March 2017.

FA chief Glenn added: "We are delighted to confirm Gareth as England manager. He's obviously somebody we know well but it's his understanding of international football and the development set-up at St. George's Park that is important.

"He performed extremely well during the four games he was in temporary charge and he impressed us during a tough interview process.

"Gareth is a great ambassador for what The FA stands for, he's a very good football tactician and a leader but beneath that he's a winner and that's an important part of the job."