Gareth Southgate is set to agree a new four-year contract on improved terms to stay as England’s manager to the end of the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.

The proposed deal will be put before the Football Association’s board on Thursday and, with the national side having achieved a fourth-place finish in Russia in the summer, is likely to be ratified without any issues.

Southgate had been relaxed about his contract situation – his deal is due to expire after the 2020 European Championship – and although he has made no secret of his desire to return to club management at some stage he is expected to sign the new terms.

The FA has moved swiftly after losing its technical director, Dan Ashworth, who has worked closely with Southgate at St George’s Park over the latter’s two-year tenure, to Brighton & Hove Albion. Ashworth tendered his resignation day and will take up his new position early next year.

With that in mind, the governing body has moved to secure Southgate on terms that would increase his basic annual pay, believed to be around £1.8m, to nearer £3m. The assistant manager, Steve Holland, is expected to join him by securing new terms.

England’s Nations League campaign began this month with a defeat by Spain, and they face difficult trips to Croatia and Spain in October, by which point the FA will hope to have its manager under new contract.

Southgate’s presence beyond 2020 would maintain continuity while a group of talented young players, who have made their mark in the England junior teams, potentially progress to the senior set-up. The FA has long targeted the 2022 World Cup as a tournament when its brightest young prospects will be at their peak.

Ashworth will give the FA input over his successor as technical director as he works out his notice period. “Do I think we’re capable of winning something in the next two, four, six or eight years?” Ashworth said. “I certainly believe we have the talent in coaches, players and staff in place, yes.”