Southgate open to permanent England job

A qualifier against Scotland and friendly with Spain follow in November, and Southgate is open to the possibility of taking over on a long-term basis.

Published : Oct 13, 2016 08:42 IST

Gareth Southgate oversaw England's win over Malta and a draw in Slovenia, results which leaves the side sitting top of Group F.
Gareth Southgate oversaw England's win over Malta and a draw in Slovenia, results which leaves the side sitting top of Group F.
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Gareth Southgate oversaw England's win over Malta and a draw in Slovenia, results which leaves the side sitting top of Group F.

England's interim manager Gareth Southgate is open to taking the job full-time after two World Cup qualifiers in charge.

Southgate oversaw England's win over Malta and a draw in Slovenia, results which leaves the side sitting top of Group F.

A qualifier against Scotland and friendly with Spain follow in November, and Southgate is open to the possibility of taking over on a long-term basis.

"It's been a remarkable experience," he told UK newspapers. "I feel stronger and more confident for it and I recognise the responsibility it brings.

"I could not have been happier with the approach of the players or the staff. I think we have prepared them to put them in the best possible place in order to get the results.It hasn't quite happened, but I temper that from their part with everything they have had to contend with."

Southgate also made the big decision to drop captain Wayne Rooney from the starting XI for the meeting with Slovenia. The former Middlesbrough boss has been happy with his handling of the national team since replacing Sam Allardyce late last month.

"I feel pleased with how I have handled any number of situations and I think that's been a great challenge," Southgate said.

"It is something that is obviously a level up from what I have had to deal with, but I feel confident in the way I have felt about that. The rest, that needs serious consideration from everybody's point of view.

"I go back to the fact we want to prepare well, we have a bit more time to study the opposition, look at our players and gather our thoughts before November and then everyone has time to make a decision."

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