The news that Gareth Southgate is to stay on as England manager will please Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson.
In his last press conference before the announcement Simpson said he was hoping that Southgate would continue in the role.
Simpson, once part of the England set-up, said: “He’s done an incredible job in the five or six years as the senior manager, 11 years at the FA. I just think the work that him, started by Dan and Gareth, has changed the whole environment of that England set-up.
“I hope he stays and I hope he’s able to enjoy it and bring a trophy back at some point for us.
“I thought the decisions he made were right and I thought his substitutions were right. There was criticism in the game he put Jordan Henderson on as a sub, but there was a reason and it was effective. The subs he made in all of the games were effective, it’s just all down to fine margins and if you fall the wrong side of them, you go out of the competition and go home.”
Simpson also revealed that he had texted Southgate after the 2-1 quarter final defeat to France.
“I can’t remember exactly what I said but I did text him to tell him I was gutted for them all and that I thought they were so close, but so far away.
“I said to him to go and enjoy some time with his family. I don’t think he can have many regrets about it.”
Simpson also revealed that he’s not bothered about who wins today’s semi-final between France and Argentina.
He said: “I’m going to be really honest with you, I don’t actually give a monkey’s who wins it now. I watched both semi-finals, but I’m really not bothered now.
“Whatever happens in the World Cup won’t affect Carlisle United, all I’m bothered about it making sure we’re ready. I watched the games on the TV but I had my laptop on watching Northampton against Tranmere and against Bradford, so it was just background noise.
“The main thing is for us to get results, starting on Tuesday, but I might watch the final.”
