GARETH SOUTHGATE is winning sceptical England fans round at this summer’s World Cup.
The former Three Lions defender stepped in following the departure of Sam Allardyce and has delivered in Russia with his spirited group of young players.
Who did Gareth Southgate play for?
STARTING out as a midfielder or at right-back, Southgate began his playing career at Crystal Palace.
He came through the youth setup at Selhurst Park and quickly rose through the ranks, being appointed captain for the 1993/94 season.
The Eagles won promotion to the Premier League as champions that year but yoyo’d between the top two-tiers, with another relegation in 1995.
Aston Villa came calling and snapped up Southgate for £2.5million – before converting him to a centre-back.
He won the League Cup during his time in the Midlands, where he spent six seasons and was a near ever-present.
A move to Middlesborough followed in 2001 and Southgate would end his playing days in the North East, making 160 appearances for Boro over a five-year period.
The England defender earned 57 caps during his international career and scored twice, whilst he hung up his boots after 638 domestic games.
What teams has the England World Cup boss managed?
SOUTHGATE wasted no time heading into management, being appointed Middlesbrough boss in 2006.
Boro were relegated from the top-flight under his leadership, before he was dismissed in October 2009 with the club sitting fourth in the Championship.
After a period away from management, Southgate was appointed as the FA’s head of elite development.
He looked set for a director role, but returned to coaching as the England under-21 boss in 2013.
After three years with the Young Lions, he was given the full-time role in November 2016 after a successful interim period.
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek scores in front of Gareth Southgate at England World Cup training
