Caretaker Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has sealed the England job and claimed he is loving every minute of the new task at hand.
The interim manager is sure to get the green signal and be confirmed as the new England manager after Three Lions trashed arch rivals Scotland 3-0 in the World Cup qualifier clash on Friday at Wembley.
Daniel Sturridge opened the scoring for England in the first half with a glorious header. Adam Lallana made it two for the Three Lions and Gary Cahill sealed the win as he directed his header towards the goal from a Wayne Rooney cross.
Southgate, who is set to be named the new Three Lions manager after Tuesday’s friendly clash with Spain, said: “I’ve loved it. I’ve really enjoyed the role and the responsibility, the challenge of every part of it.”
“I get that’s not quite as enjoyable if you don’t get the results.”
“There are nights where you have to get over the line and get the result but it’s been brilliant.”
“I’ve taken so much from that. But as a group of staff we’ve prepared the team really well and created a good environment. Hopefully they’ve enjoyed it too.”
Asked about FA’s decision over his position, he said: “That’s not my decision. I was given the task of picking the job up in a very difficult situation.”
“We have a difficult challenge against Spain and the rest is out of my hands.”
“I know how much it meant to supporters, how important it was to win the game. I heard that a lot in the last few weeks.”
“It was important for the players to come through that pressure environment and win.”
“They wanted to respond in the right way to what they’ve been through and this was a step forward in their belief for what they’re capable of. They played with great endeavour.”
Scotland chief Gordon Strachan, who is set to face the axe, said: “I have played here and lost 3-1 — and not played as well as that. Not as brave as that.”
“That was a brave performance. So they can go away proud.”
“I couldn’t ask any more. You just need a wee break, a wee bit of magic.”
“I’m really down for the lads in a way but proud of what they tried to do.”
When asked whether he would quit, Strachan said: “When will I think about me? Probably when I’m just about to die.”
“I’ll say: ‘Yeah, how did I get on, God?’ It’s nothing to do with me.”
“I have to think about that dressing room and how I send them back to their clubs not down. They gave it their best shot.”
England retained the top spot in Group F, with a two-point lead over Slovenia, who lost to minnows Malta 1-0.
Slovakia thrashed Lithuania 4-0, who are on five points — a point ahead of Scotland.
