10 MORE YEARS OF SOUTHGATE
FA KINGMAKERS are desperate for Gareth Southgate to avoid a World Cup disaster – because he is the man they want to lead England long into the next decade.
Yesterday, technical director Dan Ashworth refused to give Southgate a tournament target, but we understand only a true calamity will put pressure on the manager.
Southgate would, if he wanted to carry on, certainly survive an exit at the first knockout stage.
And judging by the gushing tribute paid to Southgate by Ashworth, it is easy to see why.
He said: “Gareth is an exceptional leader. He’s empathetic, he’s articulate, he’s got high emotional intelligence, he’s got a really good understanding of getting the best out of the players and the staff.
“That’s how he works and how he worked with the Under-21s as well, so he’s been instrumental on that and has to take the credit.”
Ironically, considering FA executives have tried to temper expectations, the tide of hugely upbeat player comments have inflated English hopes of going deep into the tournament.
And while Ashworth would not be drawn on what achievement would be considered acceptable within the offices of Wembley and the lavishly-funded St George’s Park, he has clearly caught the positivity bug.
He said: “Honestly, there isn’t a hard and fast target, but we want to inspire the nation and want the nation to be proud of our football team.
“And we will do that in two ways – winning enough games to make them proud and playing in a way that makes them proud.
“Hopefully, we can play well and win enough games. Now, what is enough games? You tell me.
“But we’ve come here to try to win seven games, not three.”
Whenever Southgate does leave, Ashworth is adamant his successor should be English.
And he wants that successor to have the chance because Southgate has become one of the world’s most in-demand managers.
He laughed: “When it does happen, let’s hope it is because Gareth has done such a good job he has been whisked off to Real Madrid.”