Southgate in England U-turn; plans Rooney talks

Matt Stead

Gareth Southgate has completed a U-turn regarding his feelings towards the permanent England manager’s job.

Southgate has been appointed England boss on an interim basis after Sam Allardyce’s ignominious departure by ‘mutual consent’.

The England Under-21 coach will take charge of the national team for their next four games. They face Malta and Slovenia in World Cup 2018 qualifiers in October, before another qualifier against Scotland and a friendly against Spain, both of which come in November.

The 46-year-old distanced himself from the post when the Football Association was looking to replace Roy Hodgson in the summer. He is the harmless, sexless boyfriend, after all.

“I can see the logic in terms of the odds but it wasn’t a route I felt I was ready to take,” he said earlier this month. “I’m pretty clear on what I’m comfortable with but also I know to take that role wasn’t something I think I’ve got the experience for.”

However, The Times have now revealed in an exclusive that Southgate’s views on the permanent job have changed, and he wishes to be considered as a long-term replacement for Allardyce.

The former Middlesbrough boss also plans to hold talks with captain Wayne Rooney. Matt Hughes and Martyn Ziegler write:

‘In keeping with his desire for continuity, Southgate has arranged to speak to Wayne Rooney this week and is planning to tell the Manchester United striker that he can keep the captaincy, at least for next month’s matches against Malta and Slovenia.’

They add, with regards to Southgate’s future:

‘Having been put in charge for four matches after Allardyce’s departure on Tuesday, Southgate has concluded that he may never get a better chance to become England manager and is determined to give it his best shot, although he may seek to keep the pressure off himself by avoiding stating his ambitions publicly.’