LONDON, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) - - England coach Gareth Southgate has signed a new contract to remain in charge of the English national football team until the end of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The new deal is a reward for Southgate's excellent work since replacing Sam Allardyce just under two years ago and leading England to the semi-finals in this summer's World Cup in Russia.
Southgate's assistant, Steve Holland has also agreed a new deal and will also continue until the end of 2022.
"I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the national team through the next two major tournaments," said Southgate in a statement.
"The job remains an incredible privilege and a true honor. Experiencing at first-hand how the nation united behind the team this summer was something special and it will be great to see how far this young squad can go in the years to come," he commented, before thanking his assistants and players for their "hard work and commitment."
"I have learned a great deal from them and their passion and professionalism in representing England has been an inspiration to my own work."
Meanwhile the Chief Executive of the English Football Association (FA), Martin Glenn, also expressed his satisfaction at the news.
"Securing Gareth on a longer-term contract was always a priority for us. He has performed remarkably well and has given everyone the belief that England can compete on a world stage again."
Glenn called Southgate a "tremendous ambassador for the organization, our development teams and the wider work of The FA."
Southgate's next two games are tough UEFA Nations League matches away to Croatia on October 12th and against Spain, who won 2-1 in Wembley in September, in Seville three days later.
