Gareth Southgate will be appointed as the permanent manager of England next week, as long as he avoids losing a World Cup qualifying defeat to Scotland.
The 46-year-old will be handed the full-time role after next week’s friendly against Spain.
Candidates who hoped to get the job as the next Three Lions boss have been informed by the Football Association that the former Aston Villa star will be awarded the job, according to The Telegraph.
Reports suggest that the footballing governing body has been impressed with the way Southgate has led himself in his time as interim gaffer and are now prepared to offer him the job on a permanent basis.
The hierarchy at the FA were particularly pleased by his management and treatment of Wayne Rooney and the manner in which he pulled the England star out of his side against Slovenia.
Rooney is desperate to return to the fray against rivals Scotland, with England hoping to keep their qualification hopes on the right lines so they can compete at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Dele Alli’s recent injury means Rooney’s hopes of starting the game have been boosted, as well as putting in an impressive performance in Manchester United’s 3-1 win at Swansea City on Sunday.
A defeat against the Scots at Wembley is unimaginable for the FA, who it is understood will have major doubts not to appoint Southgate after all.
Southgate revealed that he was looking forward to the challenge and knows that could be a stepping stone for his managerial reign at England.
“I accept the landscape,” Southgate said.
“If we play well and we win then things will be positive.
“If we don’t there will be criticism, but that’s part of being involved in top-level sport and in matches that matter.”
By Drew Darbyshire (@DarbySports)
