Southgate’s job safe… even if England flop

GARETH SouTHGATE heads into tomorrow’s opening match against Croatia with one of the safest jobs at the Euros — and the England boss is urging his young lions to seize the moment.

The 50-year- old is putting the final touches to preparations for the Wembley showdown against the side who dashed England’s World Cup dream three years ago.

Having finished fourth in Russia, England head into the European Championship as one of the favourites. Southgate (right) has impressed on and off the pitch throughout his reign. But having reached the World Cup semi-finals, anything less than another run to the last four could be seen as a poor tournament.

Nevertheless, the FA are committed to Southgate’s long-term plan and will entrust the head coach to lead the current crop of players until at least the next World Cup in 17 months’ time, even if they flop at the Euros.

Southgate has assembled an exciting squad and the FA are aligned with the head coach’s vision heading into Qatar 2022. England’s manager is targeting glory this summer, though, and has called on his team to prove they are among the best on the planet. Southgate told ITV: ‘We have to show it. Tournaments are about hitting form at the right time and we have to bring everything over the next four weeks. The players want their football to speak for them. This is a moment in our lives that is a rare opportunity.’