Southgate confirmed as England football manager

It was an unprecedented audition, but Gareth Southgate passed the test as interim England manager with flying colours to become the 19th man since 1947 to lead  the country's senior football team.

Gareth Southgate takes over from Sam Allardyce as England manager. Reuters/Carl Recine

The 46-year-old former England international had guided the under-21 squad for three years following a career on the field with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and a stint as manager of Middlesborough where he had also been a player.

"I am extremely proud to be appointed England manager," said Southgate after his three month trial had ended. "However, I'm also conscious that getting the job is one thing, now I want to do the job successfully."

Southgate, who is the first former England international to manage the national team since Kevin Keegan in 2000, took over following the departure of Sam Allardyce in September.

He left after newspaper revelations of inappropriate behaviour. The 62-year-old had only been in the post for 67 days during which he led the side to a win against Slovakia in a qualifier for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Southgate has consolidated England's position at the top of Group F with victories over Malta and Scotland and a draw with Slovenia.There was also a 2-2 draw in a friendly with Spain.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed working with the players over these past four games and I think there's huge potential," Southgate added. "I'm determined to give everything I have to give the country a team that they're proud of and one that they're going to enjoy watching play and develop. For me, the hard work starts now."

The four year contract will encompass the 2018 World Cup and 2020 European Championships.

Martin Glenn, the FA's chief executive, said Southgate's experience as the coach of the under-21 side had been instrumental in his appointment. "He's obviously somebody we know well," said Glenn. "But it's his understanding of international football and the development set-up at the national training centre that is important.

"He performed extremely well during the four games while he was in temporary charge and he impressed us during a tough interview process.

"Gareth is a great ambassador for what the FA stands for, he's a very good football tactician and a leader but beneath that he's a winner and that's an important part of the job."

England's next match is against Germany in March and that is followed by a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.