MARTIN SAMUEL: Of course the FA want Gareth Southgate to remain in charge of England beyond the World Cup - who is going to do a better job? His brilliance is that he is still positively affecting his players in his third tournament

The greatest certainty at this World Cup was that, at some time, Gareth Southgate would be offered a contract extension by the FA.

Not literally, of course. Nobody negotiates their next deal mid-tournament. But the news would be leaked, reported, a check call would be made to headquarters and the answer would come back: yes, they want him to stay.

For who else is there? Who is going to do a better job than this guy? Does Southgate want it? Now that's another matter entirely. I've always felt we were watching his last tournament as England manager.