Gareth Southgate: England interim manager believes his experience with players will bring much-needed stability

The former Middlesbrough manager has worked with several members of England's senior squad at Under-21 level

Southgate is ready to take on the mantle as England's caretaker (Getty)

Gareth Southgate believes his history of working with members of England’s senior squad will help bring stability to a national team racked by controversy.

Southgate, who has managed the England Under-21s side since 2013, will take charge of the senior team’s next four matches following the termination of manager Sam Allardyce’s contract on Tuesday.

The 46-year-old coach has worked with the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Eric Dier during his time with the Under-21s and believes his experience within the set-up will provide a sense of continuity.

“It’s obviously been a difficult situation for The FA but it was important that there was some stability and continuity for everybody,” Southgate said.

“So, from my point of view, it was important to step forward and give us the best possible chance to win these games.

“The fact that I know so many of the support team and the players already is really important, given the time that we have to prepare for these matches.

“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, then I think we are in a good position to prepare for these games.”

Southgate, who will be in the dugout for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia, was said to have no interest in taking the job on a permanent basis following Roy Hodgson’s departure earlier this year.

The former England international has now, however, insisted that he is ready to take on the mantle and steer the national side through the choppy waters.

“I’m a passionate Englishman and I think people know where I stood on the long-term role in the summer. The interim role was never discussed at that stage because The FA were always confident that they could get somebody permanent.

“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.

“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,” he added.

“The focus now has to be on playing football, putting in good performances and getting results, starting with Malta at Wembley.

“These are four big games for us as a country, I’m looking forward to the challenge and I’m confident that we can get good results. We have an excellent group of players and the future is certainly bright for this England team.”