It will not be long before “workaholic” Gareth Southgate is back planning meticulously for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, according to his former manager Alan Smith. Smith first coached the England national team boss as a 16-year-old in the Crystal Palace academy before he made him first-team captain at Selhurst Park. 👊 — England (@England) July 12, 2021Speaking a day later in a post-tournament press conference, the England chief admitted he needed a break, but Smith expects it will not be long before the 50-year-old is back at St George’s Park. Finding out what players will be there, trying to work out how to occupy the players’ time and Gareth has a big advantage. Alan Smith managed Gareth Southgate at Crystal Palace (Tom Hevezi/PA)“Once you have played 57 times for England and under four different managers, you certainly have a feel for what is required at a tournament.

Source: Express July 14, 2021 17:26 UTC