Southgate pens new contract

ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate is excited by the potential in the team’s future after signing a new contract.

The 51-year-old’s deal was set to expire after next year’s World Cup but he and assistant Steve Holland have signed a two-year extension through to December 2024.

Southgate told a media conference arranged in the wake of his new deal: “I’d like to say how excited we are, the last five years have been an incredible experience.

“We can see what’s possible with the existing squad and some of the players coming through our age-group teams.

“We are grateful for the support of the FA. We felt it was important to qualify (before signing) so there was no question on focus.

“We are looking forward to the next few years to make some new memories.”

It is reward for the great strides England have made under Southgate, who later this month will celebrate five years in charge.

During that time the former Middlesbrough boss has led the Three Lions to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, a third-placed finish in the Nations League and the final of the European Championship for the first time.

Southgate signed his deal after leading England to next winter’s World Cup in Qatar and is now committed to the role until after Euro 2024.

“There was never a consideration I wouldn’t go to Qatar,” he said.

“I wanted to be sure I was wholly committed beyond that. Tournaments take a lot out of you and the way it ended for us (at Euro 2020) took a lot of emotion and energy, an we were so quickly back in World Cup qualifying and I wanted to allow myself that consideration.”

Gareth Southgate