Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk applauds Joe Gomez's England recall
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes Joe Gomez's England recall is fully deserved as the team's popular utility man continues to impress.
As a player Southgate made over 500 appearances across just three teams - Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough.
Southgate began his managerial career in 2006 with Middlesbrough, who he kept in the Premier League until the 2008/09 season. But he was sacked in October 2009 with the club in fourth place in the Championship.
After a subsequent caretaker period managing England's senior team, Southgate was later given the job on a permanent basis and guided the Three Lions to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, third place in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019 and were beaten finalists in the delayed Euro 2020.
Southgate has experienced both sides of a career representing his country. He won 57 caps for the Three Lions during his playing days, in nine years' involvement at international level.
"People used to poke their heads out of vans and shout things at me in the street. I had a 20-year playing career but I was really only ever remembered for that one moment. That's what made [2018] even better because I felt like I had a debt to pay," he said.
Southgate retired as a player in 2006, then moved into coaching. In August 2013, Southgate was appointed manager of the England Under-21 side. He took charge for the European Under-21 Championship in 2015, but his team were knocked out in the group stage.
In September 2016, Southgate was named England caretaker manager after Sam Allardyce resigned after just one game in charge following a newspaper investigation.
Southgate led the Three Lions to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Despite losing to Belgium in the group stage, Southgate's men earned a place in the knockout rounds following wins over Tunisia and Panama. England beat Colombia in the round of 16 on penalties, before recording a 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter-final.
Despite taking the lead through Kieran Trippier's free kick, Southgate's men were beaten by 2-1 Croatia in a tense semi-final. The Three Lions missed out on third place after another defeat to Belgium.
Southgate was rewarded with a new four-year deal and also received an OBE for services to football. "It's a very proud moment for myself and my family," he told thefa.com.
One year later, Southgate led England to the inaugural Nations League. The Three Lions finished above Spain and World Cup conquerors Croatia to top their group, earning a place in the last four. Southgate's men were beaten 3-1 by the Netherlands in the semi-final, but overcame Switzerland on penalties to finish third.
England also qualified for the European Championships in 2021 after topping their group - winning seven games out of eight and finishing six points clear of second-placed Czech Republic.
In the round of 16, the Three Lions faced Germany, but goals courtesy of Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane gifted his side a 2-0 win.
Despite going behind to Denmark in the semi-finals, a Simon Kjaer own goal meant the game entered extra time at 1-1.
But Southgate suffered more penalty heartbreak in the Euro 2020 final, as England lost 4-3 on penalties to Italy after drawing 1-1 after extra-time.
Though England cruised through qualification for the 2022 World Cup, they struggled to perform at the 2022/23 Nations League.
After six years on the pitch with Aston Villa, Southgate joined Middlesbrough in the summer of 2001 under former England coach Steve McClaren.
In 2020, Southgate released Anything is Possible, a book that explores his journey from being released by Southampton at 13 to managing his country at a World Cup. The book features a foreword from Prince Charles and aims to inspire young people to follow their dreams.
He also offers life lessons throughout for young people, such as the importance of focussing on yourself and trying not to compare yourself to others, be brave enough to try new things and the need for kindness in the world.
Since signing a new four-year deal with England in 2018, Southgate earns an annual salary in the region of £3million. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he agreed to take a 30% pay cut to help protect the FA - which was set to lose more than £150 million due to cancelled matches and concerts at Wembley.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes Joe Gomez's England recall is fully deserved as the team's popular utility man continues to impress.
Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott has vowed to keep starring for England Under-21s as he eyes a senior role.
England may have ended the qualification phase for Euro 2024 unbeaten amd through to the tournament proper with relative ease, but they didn't have things all their way.
There is no denying England were below par in their final Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia but there were still a few of decent individual performances.
England captain Harry Kane is adamant England's journey to Euro 2024 was a positive one, depsite the fact they failed to beat North Macedonia in their final qualifier.
Gareth Southgate was full of praise for Rico Lewis after England struggled to a 1-1 draw in their final Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia.
North Macedonia will hope to spring a major surprise when they conclude a disappointing qualifying campaign at home to England in Skopje.