Southgate unclear on his future

Gareth Southgate is unsure when he will be told whether he will be handed the England job on a permanent basis. Southgate was given the role on an interim basis in the wake of Sam Allardyce’s departure in September and Tuesday’s 2-2 friendly draw with Spain was his fourth match in charge.

He had previously guided England to seven points from three World Cup qualifiers but there is no indication from the Football Association as to when they will make a decision on Allardyce’s permanent replacement.

“I’ve loved doing it, but that’s not my decision,” Southgate said after Tuesday’s draw.

“I’m proud of what we’ve done with the team. [I’ve proved that] I can handle big occasions. I’ve loved the experience and I’m pleased that the remit we’ve been given we’ve fulfilled.”

England looked set to beat Spain when Jamie Vardy’s diving header early in the second half put them 2-0 ahead following Adam Lallana’s early penalty but last-gasp goals by Iago Aspas and Isco ensured the match ended 2-2.

“It was a fantastic performance, a fantastic effort, I was so pleased with how we pressed and at times used the ball well,” Southgate added.

“Maybe as the second half wore on we started to tire and that’s where keeping the ball better will allow us to conserve energy. But we played one of the best teams in world football, the test was phenomenal and I couldn’t ask for any more of them.”

England are 16/1 to win the 2018 World Cup outright, while Spain can be backed at 9/1and Germany at 9/2.