The Football Association announced today that it has appointed Gareth Southgate as England manager.

Southgate has signed a four-year contract which includes England’s campaigns for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2020 UEFA European Championship.

The FA’s selection panel of Chief Executive Martin Glenn, Technical Director Dan Ashworth and Chairman Greg Clarke unanimously agreed that he was the outstanding candidate for the role having impressed during his four-game period as interim manager.

Southgate said: "I am extremely proud to be appointed England manager. 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."

Martin Glenn added: "We are delighted to confirm Gareth as England manager. 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’s first competitive match as manager will be the international fixture against Germany in Dortmund on 22 March 2017, followed by the World Cup qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley Stadium on 26 March 2017.

The former defender amassed almost 650 appearances across an 18-year playing career with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. During this period, he earned 57 caps for the Three Lions and represented his country at two World Cups and two European Championships, including the semi-finals of Euro 96.

Sussex-raised Southgate stepped into management with Middlesbrough in the Premier League between 2006 and 2009. He originally joined The FA as head of elite development in January 2011 and played a key role in the opening of St. George’s Park over an 18-month period.

Having been appointed Under-21 head coach in August 2013, Southgate successfully guided his side to two U21 Euro finals – helping secure a continent record of six successive qualifications – and won last summer’s Toulon Tournament.