Shilts: ‘I’m not sure Southgate is up to the job’

PETER SHILTON has labelled England’s managerial saga “an absolute mess’’ and admitted he is “not sure’’ Gareth Southgate is the right man for the job.

England Under-21 coach Southgate has taken charge of the senior set-up on an interim basis following Sam Allardyce’s ill-fated one-match reign.

But former Three Lions goalkeeper Shilton, who holds the appearance record for his country with 125 caps, questions Southgate’s credentials – and reckons he should have dropped skipper Wayne Rooney.

Shilton, speaking to the BBC, said: “It’s been a mess, an absolute mess. I wasn’t sure about Big Sam anyway.

“I was very unsure of his first game, some of the things he did and came out with, and Gareth has an opportunity.

“But I’m not sure about Gareth. He had a spell at Middlesbrough, he’s what I’d call a coach these days.

“I have my doubts about Gareth – nice lad, has played for England, but his managerial record isn’t great.

“International football is the best – you’re in the heat of the battle in big tournaments.

“I’ve played under Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson, I’ve played in three World Cups, so I think I know what I’m talking about.

“I don’t think the decision to pick Wayne Rooney is very positive.

“I’m not banging on about Wayne because of my England caps record, far from it. I’ve been a massive Wayne Rooney fan.

“I just feel that Wayne, for the last year, hasn’t been doing the business.

“If we’re going to build for the future, I don’t see why Gareth has decided to put him in there.

“We have to get a squad together that can go and do really well in two years’ time at the World Cup. It’s just a positive way of thinking.

“I remember Sir Alf Ramsey dropping Bobby Moore and Sir Bobby Robson leaving out Kevin Keegan because they thought they were past their best.

“I thought Gareth would leave out Wayne and show some leadership, but we’ll see – that’s just my opinion.”