Gareth Southgate to sign £5m contract extension as England boss following World Cup Qualifiers

BURTON UPON TRENT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: Gareth Southgate looks on during a training session at St George's Park on November 11, 2021 in Burton upon Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The England manager is close to agreeing a deal with the FA to extend his contract as national team head coach, according to The Telegraph.

Gareth Southgate’s current contract expires after next winter’s World Cup, however a new deal could see him remain as the Three Lions’ coach until Euro 2024.

The former defender currently earns £3 million a year but could see his salary rise £5 million plus bonuses if he signs the new deal – taking him close to the levels of the best-paid England manager of all time, Fabio Capello.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 11: Gareth Southgate consoles Jadon Sancho following defeat in the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Final between Italy and England at Wembley Stadium on July 11, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Southgate was appointed as England head coach in 2016 and has since overseen a spectacular turnaround, leading a youthful Three Lions squad to the World Cup semis three years ago and the Euro 2020 final against Italy.

The 51-year-old will be hoping his side can do one better in next year's World Cup tournament in Qatar, however the FA are already prepared to put their faith in Southgate following the team’s summer success.

Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland is also expected to be handed a new contract as a reward for playing his part in England's journey in recent years.

Southgate has been in negotiations over the past few weeks wiht FA technical director John McDermott and it is likely an announcement will be made soon, however the ex-Middlesbrough boss is thought to have his focus firmly set on securing World Cup qualification before his extension is announced.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Gareth Southgate celebrates their side's victory after the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Semi-final match between England and Denmark at Wembley Stadium on July 07, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Frank Augstein - Pool/Getty Images)

The Three Lions can achieve qualification if they come out victorious in tonight’s clash with Albania at Wembley Stadium and also Monday’s fixture against San Marino.

They currently sit top of Group I – three points above second place Poland.