BEAT SCOTS AND THE JOB’S YOURS
Southgate can clinch England role with a win
GARETH SOUTHGATE has moved into pole position to become England’s next permanent manager.
Despite underwhelming performances against Malta and Slovenia, Sportsmail understands a win against Scotland on November 11 could be enough to land Southgate the role.
The 46-year- old has helped steady the ship following a testing fortnight that resulted in Sam Allardyce sensationally losing his job as England manager after just 67 days in charge.
Southgate, who has impressed with his handling of matters away from the pitch, most significantly the sensitive Wayne Rooney issue, said: ‘It has been a remarkable experience. And I feel stronger and more confident for it.’
However, it is understood Wembley chiefs will still speak to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to ask his advice on what their next move should be.
ENGLAND versus Scotland. The Tartan Army in the Big Smoke to face the Auld Enemy. It doesn’t need hyping, certainly not to Gareth Southgate.
England’s interim manager knows what is at stake. Having played in that euphoric win over Scotland at Wembley in Euro ’96, he knows the ramifications more than most.ost.
Southgate will want to kick and head every ball — but he can’t. His players have thatt honour now.
They will have the responsibility to inject fresh life into English football after a year to forget on and off the pitch.
And, almost certainly, Southgate’s men will have the responsibility of securing him the England manager’s job on a permanent basis.
What was a four-game audition has now become a one- game audition. It is crunch time for Southgate — or at least it will be in 29 days’ time.
Southgate is yet to put on record whether he actually wants the job beyond the four matches he was given by the FA following the regrettable circumstances surrounding Sam Allardyce’s departure.
But he wants it. Don’t doubt that. For someone as fiercely proud as Southgate, when your country comes calling, you don’t turn it down. His detractors will point to his decision to reject the opportunity of a short-term role
following Roy Hodgson’s resignation after the Euro 2016 debacle.
That is correct, of course, but it is different this time. Southgate has lived it; for the past 10 days he has worked with English football’s elite.
For the past 10 days, he has sat at the head of the top table. For the past 10 days, he has been England manager — accolades simply don’t come any higher for an Englishman.
Having that buzz every day for at least the next two years is within touching distance for Southgate.
Figures at the FA are keen to stress that results will not be the only thing Southgate will be judged on once his four- game caretaker period comes to an end following a prestige friendly against Spain on November 15. But Southgate isn’t stupid. He knows the score.
He knows World Cup qualification points mean real success — and ultimately the England job.
A convincing victory over Gordon Strachan’s struggling side is likely to result in Southgate being installed as Allardyce’s long-term successor.
‘I’ve never known an England versus Scotland game to be anything other than huge,’ said Southgate, as he tried to play down the potential significance of the clash on his future.
‘Spain are going to be a huge challenge. But I’m not looking at anything other than the Scotland game, a game that we want to win to cement the place at the top of the group. For me, that’s the key for the team and the country.
‘Spain is an opportunity to test yourself against a top-quality side, but the objective is to qualify for the World Cup.’
Despite Tuesday night’s draw in Slovenia, four points from six under Southgate — particularly given the circumstances prior to the clash — isn’t a disaster.
Seven from nine, however, would make much happier reading.
Yes, the goalless draw in Ljubjlana was turgid and unimaginative — but a point is a point and could prove crucial at the end of the qualifying campaign.
Also, it is key to remind ourselves that England were without Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane for the clash against Slovenia — three players who were almost certain to start.
Southgate will be praying the trio will be fit for the visit of Scotland because a similar result and performance on November 11 will leave his job hopes firmly in the balance.
Key figures at the FA desperately want the Southgate experiment to work. He has immersed himself in the workings of modern- day Wembley. Southgate is built in the FA mould. They are keen to give him the job on a full-time basis.
Away from the results, the interim manager has impressed FA chiefs.
Training sessions are innovative and enjoyable, while his excellent man-management skills have the squad’s seal of approval.
Southgate’s studious approach has certainly made an impact and he will continue his quest to improve by making checks on Ross Barkley and Jack Wilshere before naming his squad for the double header against Scotland and Spain next month.
‘I have to be realistic about how much progress you can make in our situation, as well as on the back of what was a difficult summer for everybody,’ said Southgate.
‘I see huge potential in them as a group, a real willingness to work, a real desire to play for their country, real pride in playing for their country.
‘ They are not going to get everything right at the moment, but their heads are down in the dressing room (after Slovenia) because they know the expectation is to win. I don’t want to take that away, we want to aim for excellence.’
Beat Scotland, Gareth, and you’ll be in an excellent position.