3 reasons why Gareth Southgate should become the new England manager

Young Lions success

10 October 2016 - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifying (Group F) - England Stadium visit and Press Conference - Caretaker England manager Gareth Southgate - Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Southgate was appointed as manager of the England Under-21 team back in August 2013, signing a three-year contract, and has undoubtedly improved the Young Lions squad considerably.

After exiting the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championships during the group stages, the former Middlesbrough boss was brought in to replace Stuart Pearce.

Following a flawless qualifying campaign, in which England won nine of their 10 fixtures, including a draw against runners-up Finland, the future looked bright for Southgate & Co.

However, his first major tournament experience with the Under-21s suffered the same disappointing fate, as the Young Lions finished bottom of Group B in the Czech Republic.

Nevertheless, Southgate’s finest moment as Under-21 manager was back in May 2016, when England won the Toulon Tournament for the first time since 1994.

Goals from Lewis Baker and Ruben Loftus-Cheek sealed an impressive 2-1 final victory over hosts France, rounding off a perfect competition for the Young Lions, in which they won all five fixtures.

So, who knows what Southgate could spark at the 2018 World Cup finals… If we qualify, of course.

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