NEW DEAL IS SENSIBLE ...JUST LIKE GARETH!

GARETH SOUTHGATE’S new contract will not go down well with some critics. Why, it will be asked, are the Fa awarding a rise and an extension when england’s fate in Qatar is unknown? Wouldn’t it be sensible to see how the World Cup unfolds, then decide? to which, a simple question. Who’s better? Who out there could be a better england manager than Southgate right now? We’re talking english-born candidates, obviously.

It seems the Fa have seen the light on that issue, so we can forget about trying to wheedle Pep Guardiola away from Manchester City. the only deliberation is whether, on form, a better english manager exists, one that matches Southgate’s record in international football, or has displayed sufficient potential to suggest he might. If not, why would the Fa run the risk of losing the best man for the job? this time next year Southgate would be weeks away from being out of contract. Suppose Manchester united, tottenham or arsenal were in the market for a manager? there could be a real risk of losing him. Suppose england

then exceeded expectations in Qatar? the Fa would be lambasted for their lack of foresight. So this is the smart move, certainly considering that if england flop dismally, Southgate would probably not have the desire to stay anyway. he’s a sensible man; he can read a room. he wouldn’t stay on as a burden to the team. this way, he protects his compensation, the Fa protect themselves from club suitors and the best man gets the job. It’s all very sensible, all very Southgate.