FA chief executive Martin Glenn is delighted that Gareth Southgate has agreed to take charge of England for the rest of 2016 – and says the former defender could be in the running to fill the position permanently.
The four-month break from November’s games against Scotland and Spain until March’s visit of Lithuania means The FA is unlikely to formally begin its recruitment process until the end of the year.
Speaking on Friday, Glenn said he expects a strong level of interest in the position, adding that he feels Southgate is ‘positive’ about the role.
“For the next four games we are delighted to have Gareth in charge because that buys us a bit of time to have a think,” said the CEO.
“I think he is a genuine contender but this isn't an audition”
Martin Glenn on Gareth Southgate
“I think he (Southgate) is a genuine contender but this isn't an audition. I'm delighted with the four games because it gives him preparation time and time to really get into it.
“It was a real whirlwind after Iceland. Roy resigned that night [so] we had to respond very quickly. I think Gareth didn’t have time assimilate the fact we might need him to go and step up.
“In the end we didn’t need him. What is different now? You'd have to ask him. He feels more confident – his qualifying performance has been excellent and we won the Toulon Tournament.
“I think he has grown in self-confidence and I think he understands some of the pressures of the job a bit better, so I'm delighted he's being positive about it.
“He has a choice to make at the end if he really wants to throw his hat into the ring – but he wouldn't be the sole candidate.”
Southgate, who watched Everton and Crystal Palace draw in the Premier League on Friday evening, will name his squad for World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia on Sunday.
Glenn speaks to FATV following the decision to replace Sam Allardyce
