Southgate lifts the lid

Gareth Southgate discussed his vision for the England national team and approaches towards discipline in a wide-ranging interview with Sky Sports.

The England manager was also quizzed on Wayne Rooney’s future as captain and how he plans to handle Marcus Rashford’s development between the senior and U21 squads.

England end the year ranked 13th in the world following a tumultuous six months which saw them endure a disappointing Euro 2016 exit to Iceland and two managerial changes thereafter.

Southgate was initially named England’s interim manager in September following the sacking of Sam Allardyce, whose now infamous 67-day reign came after Roy Hodgson resigned in the summer.

And following two wins and two draws under Southgate’s guidance, the former England captain signed a four-year deal in November to take the job on a permanent basis.

Here, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, the England manager opened up on a number of topics…

On England ambitions…

Southgate said he wants England to become the best team in the world but concedes there are many obstacles to overcome first – though he cited England’s World Cup-winning rugby team of 2003 as a source of inspiration.

“We are currently ranked 13th in the world,” Southgate said. “Respectfully in the last two tournaments we went out in the group stage and then the first knockout stage, and we are at a moment where we have 30 per cent of English players playing in the Premier League.

“So there are a lot of obstacles. But our long-term target is to become the No 1 team in the world. I always look at …

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