Southgate backed to keep England job despite fan criticism as FA chief dubs him 'most successful boss in 55 years' | The Sun

GARETH SOUTHGATE has been told by FA chiefs they have full faith in his England leadership.

The Three Lions boss was jeered by fans during last week’s 4-0 Nations League defeat to Hungary and faced questions over his future.

Southgate admitted he would not “outstay" his welcome if he believed he had lost support, despite signing a new deal taking him up to Euro 2024.

But FA chairwoman Debbie Hewitt said: "Gareth is, on the pitch, the most successful England manager that we have had in 55 years.

“He has taken us to a World Cup semi-final and final of the Euros.

“So the question of his contract is a bit of a red herring in a sense – because I don’t think we would be discussing it had we not had the recent series of games."

READ MORE IN FOOTBALL

Qatar 2022 sex ban as fans warned they face 7 years in JAIL for one-night stands

Win a Mercedes A45s AMG from just 79p with exclusive discount from the Sun

Hewitt said the "stumble" against the Hungarians had not changed the high regard Southgate is held in at the FA.

She said: "I have spoken to him, yes, and his reaction, as in everything with that sort of conversation, was that it is his accountability and there’s always something to learn.

“That’s why it’s refreshing working with somebody like that because that openness to learn is quite remarkable and quite unusual in any sphere.”

And Hewitt, who became the first woman to chair the FA when she was appointed to the position 12 months ago, believes former England Under-21s boss Southgate has transformed the senior side.

Most read in Football

BEST OF ENEMIES

Grealish parties in Las Vegas pool with huge Prem rival – can you spot who?

CRIS CRASH

Man Utd star Ronaldo's Bugatti involved in crash as police launch investigation

ANT FINALLY

Man Utd closing in on first deal of summer with £40m Antony on way from Ajax

MAGIC WANDA

Wanda Nara shows off tanned bum in revealing video sending Instagram fans wild

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS

She added: “The bit that people don't see so much is Gareth in the camp and the culture he has created and the pride they have in playing for England.

“Prior to Gareth being appointed the manager of England there was not the pride of wearing the England shirt and there were the club rivalries that we would read about with players not getting on.

“He has changed that beyond recognition and I have seen that first-hand for myself."

    Source: Read Full Article