LONDON (AP) – Five months after saying he lacked the experience to coach England, Gareth Southgate landed one of soccer’s toughest roles on Wednesday by showing he can handle the responsibility.
The 46-year-old Southgate pulled out of the running to succeed Roy Hodgson after England’s European Championship debacle, clearing the way for Sam Allardyce’s appointment in July.
But after Allardyce was forced out following one game in charge, Southgate had an unexpected chance to get a taste of coaching England for four games. Promoted from the under-21 team, Southgate passed his audition and secured a four-year contract.
“I think at that time (in July) there would have been a perception about someone being promoted internally through the organization,” Southgate said. “Having had the opportunity to prove myself over a small sample of games I have been able to show I can handle the role … and prove to people I was capable of preparing the team for some big matches.”
Southgate said he believes he is qualified to fill a role previously occupied by veteran coaches Fabio Capello and Sven-Goran Eriksson despite his only previous first-team managerial role at Middlesbrough ending in 2009 after three years.