England names Gareth Southgate manager on permanent basis
LONDON (AP) — The English Football Association has hired Gareth Southgate on a four-year contract to remain in charge of the national team.
The 46-year-old Southgate was given the position after managing England in four matches on an interim basis. He was promoted from the Under-21s following the firing of Sam Allardyce in September.
Southgate's only previous first-team managerial role came at Middlesbrough.
Southgate pulled out of the race to succeed Roy Hodgson in charge of England after the European Championship, saying he lacked the necessary experience for such a position.
Allardyce got the job, but was fired after 67 days—and just one match—in charge when his integrity was damaged by unguarded comments to undercover reporters.
Now Southgate is England's third permanent manager in six months.
