Report: Southgate set for permanent England gig, if he beats Scotland
After impressing England's brass, caretaker manager Gareth Southgate could be poised to have the job permanently on one condition: beat Scotland.
The Three Lions host the Scots at Wembley on Nov. 11, and if Southgate and Co. can avoid a disaster against their rivals to the north, the former England Under-21 gaffer will reportedly be offered the job.
Even with Tuesday's drab goalless draw against Slovenia, the Football Association executive has lauded Southgate's efforts, prompting the potential permanent offer, according to John Cross of the Mirror.
After taking over for disgraced Sam Allardyce two weeks ago, Southgate was left with a side in shambles on the heels of a catastrophic last-16 defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016.
Related - Southgate: I inherited 'a mess' as interim England boss
Upon his appointment, FA director of elite development Dan Ashworth and chief executive Martin Glenn asserted that a decision would be made on the position only after a quartet of fixtures under the interim were complete.
With four points from tilts with Malta and Slovenia in the rear view, reports suggest that a decision to hire Southgate could be made before those four matches have been contested, with England's next fixture against Scotland the benchmark.
It is also understood that the FA is elated with how Southgate handled the dropping of skipper Wayne Rooney.
Having first rejected the idea of taking the job on a permanent basis, the former Middlesbrough standout appears to be warming to the idea, saying, "It's been a remarkable experience. And I feel stronger and more confident for it, and I recognise the responsibility it brings."
The football association isn't the only party pleased with progress under Southgate, as Jordan Henderson - who has been stunning under the caretaker boss' tutelage - has shared his praise for the gaffer.
"The manager has been brilliant with us so we need to put in the performances, not just for ourselves, but the fans and him and the coaching staff as well to make sure we keep working together for a long time," the languid Liverpool midfielder conceded.