FA expected to confirm Southgate as England boss

LONDON: Gareth Southgate is expected to be approved as the new England manager by Football Association chiefs yesterday, according to British media reports.

Southgate has been in interim charge since replacing Sam Allardyce in September after he was forced out just 67 days into his reign following a Daily Telegraph investigation into corruption in football.

The 46-year- old Southgate has made it clear he wants the job and, given the lack of other quality candidates, is believed to have done enough during his four games in charge to convince the FA to hand him the post on a permanent basis.

Southgate’s position should be ratified during an FA board meeting on Wednesday, although an official announcement is unlikely to be immediate.

The former Middlesbrough boss, who would become England’s third manager this year following the departures of Roy Hodgson and Allardyce, spoke to a fiveman panel at St George’s Park last Monday after the end of his interim reign.

FA chairman Greg Clarke, chief executive Martin Glenn, technical director Dan Ashworth, former England player Graeme Le Saux and League Managers’ Association chairman Howard Wilkinson were all involved.

Glenn had previously confirmed Southgate was in a strong position and the former England defender wanted the job.

During his brief tenure Southgate has already had to deal with controversy with captain Wayne Rooney pictured mingling with guests at the hotel where England were based during his free time following the 3- 0 World Cup qualifying win over Scotland. — AFP