England Appoint Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate has been named as the 16th permanent manager of the England national team after signing a four-year deal, reportedly worth £2million a year.

Southgate took interim charge of The Three Lions for four matches following the departure of former boss Sam Allardyce, who lasted just 67 days and one game following an undercover sting from the the Daily Telegraph.

In his opening match in caretaker charge Southgate led his troops to 2-0 victory over Malta, which was followed by a goalless draw against Slovenia, a 3-0 triumph over rivals Scotland, then finally a 2-2 draw with Spain.

The former Middlesbrough manager (2006-2009) was then officially interviewed for the post at St George’s Park by a five-man recruitment panel from the Football Association, who decided that the 46-year-old had done enough to bag the job on a permanent basis, although in truth there was a severe lack of other candidates to choose from.

Southgate’s first match in permanent charge of his country is away to Germany on 22 March 2017, which is swiftly followed by a 2018 World Cup qualifying clash at home to Lithuania.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the players over these past four games and I think there is huge potential.

"I am extremely proud to be appointed England manager. However, I am also conscious getting the job is one thing, now I want to do the job successfully.

"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."

Let’s just hope he lasts longer than his predecessor…

Gareth Southgate’s First Five Fixtures:

• Germany (a) - 22 March
• Lithuania (h) - 26 March
• Scotland (a) - 10 June
• France (a) - 13 June
• Malta (a) - 1 Sept

(all in 2017)

England Odds

• Win qualifying Group F @ 1/10 (Bet365)
• Win 2018 World Cup @ 25/1 (Betfair)