Gareth Southgate Says He Is Honoured To Take Temporary Charge

 

Gareth Southgate says he is honoured to take temporary charge of England, despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his appointment. Southgate was named caretaker-manager of the Three Lions on Tuesday evening following the termination of Sam Allardyce's contract with the national side.

Southgate has been placed in temporary charge of the national side for the next four games, which includes next month's 2018 World Cup qualifier against Malta. He said “I was very proud to have played more than 50 times for my country and to have worn the armband, so to manage England will be a huge responsibility and a huge honour for me. It's a difficult circumstance for me, because we've lost two senior coaches in the last few months who have both been very good to me, so that complicates my feelings. I certainly wish them both all the best for the future. With my experience with the U21s in international football, and having worked with so many of the players who have moved up to the seniors as well, I think we are in a good position to prepare for these games.”

Southgate will take charge of England for the first time against Malta on October 8 before the Three Lions travel to Slovenia three days later.