The Football Association announced this Thursday, 4th of October, that England manager, Gareth Southgate has signed a new four-year deal with the English National Team as it will coincide with the next World Cup, that will take place in Qatar in 2022.
Initially, Gareth Southgate would stay in charge only until the next Euro, or 2020. However, even having Southgate guaranteed by 2020, they wanted to make sure he would still keep up the good work he’s been doing so far. The young manager not only did surprise all the English fans but the whole World as well. Not even the most optimist English supporter would bet their money on England making it until the World Cup semi-final, when they lost to Croatia, on the extra time.
They ended up as the 4th place, losing the 3rd place to Belgium, but still, it was England’s best position since 1990, which means after 28 years England had a decent participation again on a World Cup.
Gareth’s work shows a great renovation, once he really seems to trust the new generation of players. It could be explained by the fact that, before being in charge of the Three Lions, Southgate was the head coach of England U-21.
Southgate’s England played a total of 23 matches, in which 13 were a victory, 4 draws and 6 losses. Very good results honestly, especially if we think about how it used to be before him.
His first match after the signing of the new contract could be a rematch, once it will be against the same Croatia who managed to eliminate England on World Cup. This time, the game will be played in Croatia, at the Stadium HNK Rijeka, for the UEFA Nations League.
Will Gareth Southgate keep up the good work and lead England to another era of glories? We shall see with time, but his work is certainly incredible, so far.