Gareth Southgate Comments on England ‘Mess’ After Replacing Sam Allardyce

Interim England manager Gareth Southgate admitted that he has “taken over a mess” after the Three Lions could manage only a 0-0 draw with Slovenia in Tuesday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash in Ljubljana.  

Southgate was installed to take charge of four matches as the search continues for a successor to Sam Allardyce after the former Sunderland boss left the England post by mutual consent at the end of last month, per Dominic Fifield in the Guardian.

Having overseen a 2-0 home defeat of Malta on Saturday, the 46-year-old’s second match at the England helm proved much more of a challenge, and he had goalkeeper Joe Hart to thank for helping his side earn a point, per BBC Sport’s Ian Dennis:

England very fortunate. Hart outstanding. 1st time since Sept 2013 failed to win a qualifier. FT 0-0 #SLOENG

— Ian Dennis (@Iandennisbbc) October 11, 2016

Southgate said he was satisfied in the main that England’s qualifying chances for Russia 2018 remain on track but bemoaned the situation he has been thrown into, per ITV Sport (via ESPN FC):

I can’t thank the players and the support team enough for the backing I’ve had. I think [having …

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