5 key quotes from Gareth Southgate’s first England press conference

England’s interim manager, Gareth Southgate, held his first press conference since replacing Sam Allardyce this morning.

The 46-year-old, who has worked as the manager of the country’s Under-21 side, will be in charge for four matches against Malta at Wembley Stadium (October 8), Slovenia away (October 11) and Scotland at home (11 November) in 2018 World Cup qualifiers, before also facing Spain in an international friendly (November 15) as the Football Association continues to search for a permanent successor.

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

So ahead of Saturday’s qualifier inside the national stadium, SHOOT highlights the five key quotes from Southgate’s first press conference as England’s interim boss…

On the England job

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

“The role is an honour. There’s no question I’m a proud and patriotic Englishman.

“The opportunity to do this is something no one will be able to take away from me, and I’m excited by the challenge.

“In my view it’s a wonderful job to have for whatever period of time.”

On Sam Allardyce

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

“We exchanged messages. I didn’t want to be seen as someone waiting in the wings for an opportunity.

“I think Sam knew that. I felt it was important to thank him – he’s obviously got his situation now and I’ve got to get on with leading the country forward.

“The situation developed so quickly, but when you’re in football you get used to that.

“It was a moment to step up and put myself forward. I was in the best position to take them forward for these matches.”

On the state of English football

Photo: Offside / Witters.

“I have to say I’m involved in a sport I love and an industry which at times I don’t like.

“Outside of that, the detail of what happened last week I’m not too au fait with. I’ve heard names mentioned, but don’t have the detail, and I don’t think I can speculate.

“There’s lots about the industry of football I don’t like, but representing my country is something I love.”

On Wayne Rooney

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

“The decision to make him captain is quite simple. What I’ve seen is he’s the outstanding leader in that group.

“In a period of change the most important thing is leadership, and there was no doubt in my mind about keeping him in that position.”

On Glen Johnson’s surprise call-up

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

“Kyle Walker and Nathaniel Clyne were two right-backs last time and we’ve lost Nathaniel. What’s the rationale?

“The squad over the last two years we’ve gone young, young, young. I’m not sure you can keep doing that – there’s a moment for some experience.

“To be able to bring in a player with 50-plus caps was something we felt was the right decision.”