No other job would be as fulfilling as being England boss – Southgate

Gareth Southgate admitted "nothing will be as fulfilling" as managing England, who he believes are capable of further improvement under his stewardship.

The 49-year-old is nearing four years at the helm of the national side and, during that time,hehasoverseentheirrun to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup as well as a thirdplace finish in the inaugural Nations League last year.

Those achievements bucked the recent trend of underwhelming displays at majortournamentsbutSouthgate is hopeful of further progress if he is given the chance, with his deal running until the end of the 2022 World Cup.

Speakingbeforelockdown, Southgate said: "For me personally, I feel as if we can still improve. Hopefully there's still enough goodwill for me to be the person that leads us forward." While the burden of leading England has weighed heavily on some coaches in the past, Southgate relishes all it entails, both on and off the pitch. Indeed, he revealed he would struggle to find another position as rewarding.

"I know it'd be very hard to find a role that would mean as much to me and that would be as fulfilling," he added.

"As England manager, there's the team and winning, but you can also affect some bigger aspects of society and try to be a force for good, with projects we can be involved with, charities we support or young people we can inspire.

"I know there won't be another role in my life through which I have that opportunity to make a difference. In that sense, nothing will be as fulfilling. And I know to win with thisteam,nothingwouldmean as much to me."

*Aston Villa have joined Brighton and West Ham in publicly opposing the idea of completing the Premier League season at neutral venues as chief executive Christian Purslow warned clubs would not support measures that increased the risk of the "£200millioncatastrophe"that is relegation.

It is understood that Premier League clubs have been told the only way to complete the season is for the remaining 92 matches to be played at neutral venues. "Personally I'm against it," Purslow said. "We're a club that prides itself on home form. Two-thirds of ourwinsthisseasonhavecome at home. We've got six home games left and I think any Villa fan would agree that giving up that advantage is a massive decision and I certainly wouldn't agree to that unless those circumstances are right."