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FA fear Southgate could be headhunted but hope England boss will snub Premier League big boys

sam elliott
Quite a ride: Gareth Southgate salutes the England fans after Saturday’s triumph
Quite a ride: Gareth Southgate salutes the England fans after Saturday’s triumph

Gareth Southgate doesn’t appear interested in using England and their fantastic World Cup campaign as leverage to secure the next big job which becomes available.

The Three Lions manager is expected to stay loyal to the FA should he be headhunted following his success this summer.

England’s top brass are preparing for offers to come their coach’s way once the squad do eventually return home.

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But officials are said to have complete confidence that Southgate will stick with his country – even if he achieves the ultimate career ambition of lifting the World Cup next Sunday.

Southgate’s contract expires in little over two years but the pressure will increase to tie him down.

READ MORE: How the rest of the UK reacted to England’s win

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The Daily Mirror suggest FA chairman Greg Clarke and its chief executive Martin Glenn are ‘keen to have a clear run at the Euros without contract talks or uncertainty over his future hovering in the background’.

He’s done it: Dele Alli can’t hide his delight after scoring to put England 2-0 ahead
He’s done it: Dele Alli can’t hide his delight after scoring to put England 2-0 ahead
Playing to the crowd: England manager Gareth Southgate salutes their fans after the match.
Playing to the crowd: England manager Gareth Southgate salutes their fans after the match.

But there is a chance a new deal may be put on the table before the 2020 championships.

Southgate has won over the nation this summer with England now only one game away from a first World Cup final since 1966.

Southgate said after the victory on Saturday: “I hope everyone at home enjoys it because it’s not often this happens.

“We knew it was going to be such a different game after having extra time and penalties against Colombia, with all the emotion and the energy.

“We had to withstand a lot of physical pressure but the resilience of the team was crucial.

“We knew we would have the majority of the ball and it was a case of breaking them down because Sweden are a really well organised team.

“Over the years we have underestimated them.”

England play Croatia on Wednesday in what is the Three Lions’ first semi-final appearance for 28 years.