3 reasons why Gareth Southgate should become the new England manager

Done and dusted. The final international break of 2016 is over. But what remains very much undecided is whether The Football Association see Gareth Southgate as the right candidate to manage England on a permanent basis.

Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw against 2010 World Cup winners Spain at Wembley Stadium concluded his unbeaten four-game interim spell in charge, although there was huge disappointment inside the nation stadium, considering the Three Lions were 2-0 up after 88 minutes.

However; a comfortable 2-0 win over minnows Malta, a solid goalless stalemate in Slovenia and a convincing 3-0 victory over rivals Scotland last Friday saw Southgate lead England to the top of Group F in their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, having bagged 10 points from a possible 12 on offer.

Recent reports speculate that The FA are ready to hand the former Middlesbrough and England Under-21 boss a permanent deal as Three Lions manager.

So, here are Shoot!‘s THREE reasons why we think the 46-year-old deserves the role on a full-time basis…

Young Lions success

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.

Unbeaten interim reign

England didn’t suffer defeat during his interim spell in charge. What more could they ask for?

Yes, they drew a blank in Slovenia. And yes, they should have defeated Spain after leading 2-0 just moments before the final whistle. But, remaining unbeaten is a solid start for Southgate.

The Three Lions currently sit top of their 2018 World Cup qualifying group, two points clear of runners-up Slovenia, having picked up seven points from a possible nine on offer under the former defender, adding to our opening away victory in Slovakia.

With England already on course for Russia in 2018; comfortable wins over minnows Malta and Scotland – the country’s biggest margin of victory (3-0) over their rivals in 41 years – has shown that Southgate can handle the pressure of becoming national team coach, and has the results to match.

He has the players’ support

Having been there and done it himself, with 57 international caps to his name between 1995 and 2004, Southgate has the passion, drive and determination to thrive as England manager.

And it seems the players want the former defender to make the transition to national team boss, too.

Captain Wayne Rooney said after last week’s win over Scotland, “He’s come in and done a really good job. He’s got two wins from three and a good point from the last game in Slovenia. It’s down to the FA now and he’s put himself in pole position and I’m sure the right decision will be made.”

Forward Jamie Vardy added on Tuesday night, “He has been brilliant. He has not changed too much but you have seen in the performance that we came with a plan. It was not to be at the end of the game.”

And fellow striker Daniel Sturridge is enjoying his time under Southgate, “He’s got a lot of faith in me. I’m trying to repay him as best as I can. If I can perform well in the games, that’s important. We have beaten Scotland, that’s a big game and big result for us. It is important for every player to have the manager’s confidence.”