HAIL OF THE CENTURY

Southgate's ton a sterling job... but he knows missing piece must be delivered

- JOHN CROSS

GARETH SOUTHGATE will take charge of his 100th game as England manager tonight – but insists he is not ready for the journey to end just yet.

Southgate should take pride after putting England back on the map as a serious football nation and is now in his fourth major tournament quarter-final of his eight years in charge.

The curtain may well be coming down on his reign but it could still finish in glorious fashion if they get past Switzerland in the Dusseldorf Arena.

Southgate, 53, is rarely comfortable talking about himself at the best of times and was shifting uncomfortably in his seat when asked about his tenure this time.

This Euros has been a bumpy ride at times and yet no-one should forget that it was Southgate who made players want to wear the shirt again.

Southgate has gone so close to ending the long wait for a major trophy and, even if some supporters are losing faith and patience, his overall time in charge has changed the mood of a nation.