Gareth’s ready to embrace challenge

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Liverpool – 89 wins Man City – 45 wins Draws – 46

KYLE EYE: Walker says Sergio is best bar none GARETH SOUTHGATE has revealed he ruled out walking away from England in the summer as he knew he had the ultimate job.

The ex-Middlesbrough boss signed a contract extension three days ago after deciding against seeking a return to club management.

He hinted that being at the helm of England’s joint best performance in a World Cup on foreign soil – taking the Three Lions to the semi-finals in Russia – had led to job offers elsewhere.

But he is desperate to stay in charge of the national side until the next global tournament in Qatar in 2022.

On whether anyone tried to tempt him away from England, Southgate said: “I don’t think that is appropriate to discuss. My focus has always been on the job in hand.

“I needed to go on holiday at the end of the summer. The tournament would have taken a lot out of everybody and I know it took a lot out of me.

“But this role is a privilege. As a kid, my one goal in life was to play for England and I think representing your country is still the biggest thing you can do.

“To then be able to do that in a different capacity is very special.