GARETH SOUTHGATE deserves a contract extension as England boss, claims former FA executive David Dein.
The Three Lions boss’ current deal is due to expire at the end of next year.
England laboured to a 2-0 victory over Malta on Friday night, with some fans pondering whether it’s time to move on from Southgate after Euro 2024.
But Dein, who also worked successfully with Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, believes that there is no better alternative.
Speaking to The Sun’s Head of Sport Shaun Custis on talkSPORT, Dein said: “This is a very exciting time for England. We’ve got some very, very good talent coming through.
“Okay they didn’t play that well against Malta on Friday but nevertheless, with the individuals that Gareth has got to choose from now, we have got an extraordinary amount of talent.
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“He’s just got to bring the best out of them, and hopefully he will.”
Quizzed about Southgate’s future Dein, 80, added: “Every organisation needs stability and what we don’t want to do is keep changing for the sake of change.
“Gareth has got more work to do. It’s still a work in progress. He’s developed some good talent there.
“I would extend his contract because, quite apart from everything else, he’s doing a good job and most importantly the players want to play for him.
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“That’s always the first question the board have got to ask themselves when they’re thinking about changing a manager.
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“Are the players playing for him? They are. Is he a good organiser? Yes he is, he’s a disciplinarian.”
On who England could look to as a Southgate successor, Dein continued: “Then you’ve always got the (question), well if not him, who else? Where are you going to go?
“The country is not ready yet for another overseas manager. That would have some negative reaction.
“So you look at another English manager – who is there? You’ve got Eddie Howe or Sean Dyche or Roy Hodgson – I would certainly stick with Gareth.”
England face North Macedonia on Monday night having already booked their place at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions will be looking to finish their qualifying campaign unbeaten and are well placed to do, having beaten North Macedonia 7-0 when they last met at Wembley earlier this year.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
