So Gareth Southgate takes on the latest challenge or possibly poison chalice in the quest for England to do well at a major tournament.

I spent 2 weeks in his company on an A License course way back in 2007. I must say he was the perfect gentleman, polite and keen to study and get the most he could from the course. He would sit near the front at lectures with his notebook and mini magnet board where you can move the players around.

I don’t think the FA could have made a better or other realistic choice and in my opinion he was always going to be the National Manager one day considering his previous roles.

As a coach I want a successful National team and a successful British coach to aspire to. Hopefully he is able to work closely with FA and work on all aspects of the game from grassroots to the top.