Temporary Three Lions chief speaks of his pride to lead England during its time of need as he prepares to lead team
GARETH SOUTHGATE admits he does not like the murky side of football – but is “proud” to become England’s new boss.
The Under-21s manager, who will take charge of nation for at least the next four games after Sam Allardyce’s exit, spoke to the media for the first time today.
And Southgate, planning for Saturday’s qualifier against Malta at Wembley, insisted the transition has been smooth after the initial shock of being handed the job.
Allardyce left his position after admitting he knew how to get around Fifa’s third party ownership rules while he also wanted £400,000 for trips to the Far East.
Southgate said: “There is lots about football I don’t like but it is a sport I love and representing my country is something I love. I have not spoken to Sam. I have exchanged messages with him. The decision was not my bag.
“I don’t know all the details and frankly I have enough to focus on over the next seven weeks.
“When I came in here Tuesday morning, I did not expect to be in charge of the team at 6pm as the situation developed so quickly. In football, you get used to the speed of the way things happen.
“It was a moment to put myself up as leader of the group. I was in the best position to take them forward.
“The role is an honour. I thought it was a difficult situation and important we showed leadership. I am a proud and patriotic Englishman.
“The opportunity is something no-one will ever take away from me. This is huge for my family, huge for everyone who has helped me along my career.
“The workings of the last week have been almost identical to running the Under-21s.
“That is why I felt it was important I did this. To turn around the opposition planning, selection of our planning and training week are all issues I have dealt with.
“The profile is greater, the players are a bit older, but if I compare when I took over at Middlesbrough when everything was now, this was far, far calmer. It is a lot more excitement rather than trepidation ten years ago.”
Southgate has called up Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard to his squad – along with 32-year-old Glen Johnson.
He said: “Marcus was outstanding for us last month in the Under-21s.
“Jesse is a player we were impressed over the three years. He has established himself in Jose Mourinho’s team.
“Under pressure in the Euro Under-21s Championships, I thought he was our best performer.
“We have lost Clyne in our squad so to bring in a player with 50-plus caps [Johnson] was something we felt was the right decision.”
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