Gareth Southgate edges closer to landing England job full-time as FA begin interview process

Gareth Southgate took another step towards becoming England’s next full-time manager following a formal interview with Football Association officials on Monday.

Barring a late change of heart or the kind of damaging revelation that forced predecessor Sam Allardyce out of the job, Southgate could now be confirmed as England’s new permanent manager when the FA board meets on November 30.

Southgate, 46, was placed in interim charge when Allardyce left the role in September after just one match following a newspaper sting.

His four games as caretaker boss yielded 2018 World Cup qualifying wins over Malta and Scotland, a draw with Slovenia and another draw in a friendly international against Spain at Wembley.

Promoted from within the FA, where he had been the England Under-21 manager, former England defender Southgate has been careful to avoid accusations that he was promoting himself as Allardyce’s permanent replacement at the expense of concentrating on his interim role.

But FA chief executive Martin Glenn said last week there was no doubt Southgate was eager to succeed Allardyce.

“He’s made it clear over the last week that he’s convinced he wants the job,” Glenn told Sky Sports News.