He was certainly not the fans' favourite when he took over the job, but Gareth Southgate has certainly now won the affections of the England faithful. The English FA now hopes that the coach won't leave his post after the World Cup is over.
Southgate has managed to guide his team to a first semi-final match at a World Cup since 1990, as the team have caused football fever in England through their performances in Russia.
The former defender has a contract that runs until 2020, the date of the next European Championships, but it is thought that clubs could be interested in taking the manager on after his calm and assertive manner has spread throughout the squad and got the best out of the players.
Following the success of this World Cup, it seems as though the FA will feel the need to offer Southgate and improved contract to the £1.8 million per year that he earns at the minute in order to keep him in the post and dissuade suitors from trying to attain his services.
The manager is one that could be in the England set up for years to come, given his philosophy of investing in younger players after spending 3 years as the coach of England U-21. This could be vital to build upon the success of England's youth teams in recent years, particularly the U-17 and U-20 sides who won their respective World Cups.
England and Southgate will now face Croatia in their next match, with the chance of getting in to the final of a major tournament for the first time in 52 years.