England Manager Southgate Signs New Contract

England manager, Gareth Southgate, has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension after leading England to the final of Euro 2020.

Naija News reports that the Football Association made this known in a statement on Monday, adding that assistant manager, Steve Holland has signed a new contract through to December 2024.

The statement said: “The FA is delighted to confirm Gareth Southgate and (assistant) Steve Holland have signed new contracts through to December 2024.

“Southgate, who marks five years in charge at the end of this month, has overseen a period of positive progress, guiding England to a FIFA World Cup semi-final and UEFA Nations League third place before securing the best men’s performance in 55 years with the UEFA Euro final this summer.”

Southgate, who also masterminded a run to the semi-finals at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, has transformed his team into serious contenders after years of underachievement.

Reports over recent weeks suggested the 51-year-old was set to sign a new deal, which had been due to end after the Qatar World Cup late next year.

The new deal means the England boss will oversee qualification for Euro 2024, which is being held in Germany.

Reacting, the former England international defender said: “I am delighted that Steve and I have been able to extend our stay in our respective roles,” said the former Middlesbrough boss. “It remains an incredible privilege to lead this team.

“We have a great opportunity in front of us and I know they and the fans are all excited about what this squad could achieve in future,” he added.

Southgate replaced Roy Hodgson as a manager in 2016 following the humiliation of the Euro 2016 campaign, where the Three Lions lost to minnows Iceland in the last 16.

He took his young team to the semi-finals at the World Cup in Russia, where they lost 2-1 to Croatia in extra time.

This article was originally published on Naija News