Southgate named England manager

Gareth Southgate has been appointed as England manager on a permanent basis.

Southgate was named interim manager for a four-game stint following Sam Allardyce's shock departure in September just 67 days after being named as Roy Hodgson's successor.

The former Under-21 had emerged as one of the leading candidates to succeed Hodgson, who resigned in the wake of England's dismal Euro 2016 campaign, but at the time the 46-year-old declared that he was not ready for the senior job.

Following Allardyce's sacking Southgate was drafted in as caretaker manager and guided England to two victories and two draws in his four games in charge.

A five-man panel, consisting of FA chairman Greg Clarke, chief executive Martin Glenn and technical director Dan Ashworth, former England player Graeme Le Saux and League Managers' Association chairman Howard Wilkinson, spoke with Southgate at St George's Park earlier this month.

Following the panel's recommendation his appointment was ratified during a FA board meeting on Wednesday with Southgate signing a four-year deal.

"I am extremely proud to be appointed England manager. However, I'm also conscious that getting the job is one thing, now I want to do the job successfully," Southgate said.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed working with the players over these past four games and I think there's huge potential. I'm determined to give everything I have to give the country a team that they're proud of and one that they're going to enjoy watching play and develop. For me, the hard work starts now."

Martin Glenn added: "We are delighted to confirm Gareth as England manager. He's obviously somebody we know well but it's his understanding of international football and the development set-up at St. George's Park that is important.

"He performed extremely well during the four games he was in temporary charge and he impressed us during a tough interview process. Gareth is a great ambassador for what The FA stands for, he's a very good football tactician and a leader but beneath that he's a winner and that's an important part of the job."

Southgate won 57 caps for England between 1995 and 2004 and following his retirement from playing he went on to manage Middlesbrough, his only experience at club level.

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