Gareth Southgate signs new £2.5m-a-year deal to lead England into World Cup 2022

England boss Gareth Southgate [Courtesy]

Gareth Southgate has put pen to paper on a new contract until 2022 after admitting it was an “incredible privilege and a true honour” to be England manager.

Southgate, 48, has signed up until the next World Cup and been given a pay rise up to £2.5m-a-year after last summer’s brilliant campaign in Russia.

It was confirmed at a press conference today at St George’s Park ahead of Southgate naming his squad for the forthcoming Nations League double-header with Spain and Croatia.

England boss Southgate said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the national team through the next two major tournaments. The job remains an incredible privilege and a true honour.

“Experiencing at first first hand how the national united behind the team this summer was something special and it will e great to see how far this young squad can go in the years to come.

“I must acknowledge the hard work and commitment of my staff and the players over the last two years. I have learned a great deal from them and their passion and professionalism in representing England has been an inspiration to my own work.

“In particular, Steve Holland who I’m pleased to be continuing to work alongside through to 2022. I would also like to thank Martin, Dan Ashworth and the FA board for their support since my original appointment.”

Southgate has put pen to paper on a new contract until 2022 [Courtesy]

Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland has also signed a new contract until 2022 and FA chief executive Martin Glenn admitted they were desperate to tie him down to a new deal after reaching the World Cup semi final in July.

Glenn said: “He has performed remarkably well and has given everyone the belief that England can compete on a world stage again.

“He is also a tremendous ambassador for the organisation, our development teams and the wider work of the FA, although his focus is rightly solely on helping the elite team.

“We wish him all the best for the rest of the UEFA Nations League and Euro 2020 qualifying next year which of course brings with it the exciting prospect of final round matches at Wembley.”