Gareth Southgate confirmed as England permanent manager

The English FA has confirmed Gareth Southgate as England's permanent manager on a four-year deal which will see him through the 2018 World Cup and 2020 European Championship.

Southgate, who was previously the England under-21 head coach, took interim charge of the senior team in September following Allardyce's resignation that month after he was caught in undercover newspaper sting.

The 46-year-old impressed the FA during his four games in charge of the Three Lions on an interim basis.

Gareth Southgate's England team now sits two points clear of second-placed Slovenia in Group F having beaten Malta 2-0 and Scotland 3-0 and drew 0-0 with Slovenia in World Cup qualifiers.

"I am extremely proud to be appointed England manager," Southgate said. "However, I'm also conscious that getting the job is one thing, now I want to do the job successfully.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed working with the players over these past four games and I think there's huge potential. I'm determined to give everything I have to give the country a team that they're proud of and one that they're going to enjoy watching play and develop. For me, the hard work starts now."

Southgate who was the only candidate considered for the job by the FA, was interviewed by a five-man panel at St George's Park, the National Football Centre, last week.

"We are delighted to confirm Gareth as England manager," chief executive Martin Glenn said. "He's obviously somebody we know well but it's his understanding of international football and the development set-up at St. George's Park that is important.

"He performed extremely well during the four games he was in temporary charge and he impressed us during a tough interview process.

"Gareth is a great ambassador for what The FA stands for, he's a very good football tactician and a leader but beneath that he's a winner and that's an important part of the job."

Southgate played 57 times at senior level for England during a nine-year international career.