Southgate receives FA backing

The FA have dismissed ideas that Gareth Southgate isn’t the right man to lead England into the World Cup in Qatar despite the Three Lions’ poor form.

Southgate took England to their first major final since 1966 but since EURO 2020 there has been a hangover with his team failing to create chances. 

England have also failed to win any of their last four Nations League matches, including a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Hungary last Tuesday at Molineux. 

"Based on any facts on the pitch, he is the most successful England manager we've had for 55 years," said the FA chairwoman Debbie Hewitt.

"But the bit people don't see is the culture he's created. Prior to Gareth being the manager there was not the pride of wearing the England shirt. There was a club rivalry we would read about, players not getting on. He's changed that beyond recognition and I've seen that for myself.

"I've worked in business and Gareth's skills, his high IQ, would make him a chief executive in any sphere.

"That resilience and accountability. There's no sloped shoulders, and that's what you want in an England manager."

England aren’t back in action until September when they take on Italy and Germany in the hope to return to winning ways and avoid Nations League relegation.