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10 December 2016
Gareth Southgate to rescue the English football
After a three-year-spell as England U21 manager, Gareth Southgate made the step up to the England senior squad over the last months. It’s a remarkable rise for the Watford-born who won the Toulon Tournament 2016.
Initially named on September as England interim manager, Gareth Southgate has finally be confirmed as the Three Lions permanent head coach on this 30th November as the FA offered him a contract through to 2020. His good results (two wins, two draws) during his interim period allowed him to secure a long-term deal but the 46-year-old manager has also a massive advantage : he knows the crop of English youngsters coming through
The former Aston Villa defender was the England U21 head coach between August 2013 and September 2016. During this period, Southgate helped this generation to gain some experience through international competitions like the Euro U21 and… the Toulon Tournament ! Southgate has led the England squad during the Toulon Tournaments 2014 and 2016 and his results were pretty good. After clinching a 4th place in 2014, England have won the Toulon Tournament 2016 with a perfect record : 5 wins in as many games. They were also the best attack (15 goals) and the best defence (only 2 goals conceded) of the competition.
Keane, Pickford... these former Toulon Tournament players can burst into the international scene under Southgate
By the way, some young England talents who took part in the Toulon Tournament can burst into the international scene under Gareth Southgate in a near future. Michael Keane and Jordan Pickford, who respectively played the Festival Espoirs in 2014 and 2016, have been called-up to the England senior squad for the World Cup 2018 qualifiers. They will probably have an opportunity to make their international debuts in the next months. Meanwhile, Eric Dier, who took part in the Toulon Tournament 2014, has already established himself as an England regular.
The main challenge facing Gareth Southgate will be to find the right balance between these young talents and the more experienced players to help England to shine during the international competitions. As a reminder, the last years were very disappointing for the Three Lions : after a group-stage exit in the World Cup 2014, England were knocked out by Iceland in the Euro 2016 last round of 16.
Except the World Cup won in 1996, the England biggest performances in the international tournaments were a 4th place clinched in the World Cup 1990 and a run to the semi-finals in the Euro 1996. By the way, Gareth Southgate was part of the England squad in the Euro 1996 as a defender. Without doubt, his international experience as a player would be an asset for England.
Amayes Brahmi - Follow @AmayesB
Credits Photo : Press Association
