Top spot sole Southgate focus

Interim head coach Gareth Southgate says his only focus is ensuring England remain top of their World Cup qualifying group by defeating Scotland on Friday.

Southgate was placed in charge of the national team for four matches following the departure of Sam Allardyce, with his first two games seeing the Three Lions defeat Malta 2-0 and draw 0-0 in Slovenia.

I want to leave the team and country on top of the group at the end of Friday night – that is my only focus.

Gareth Southgate

Next up is a Wembley showdown with the Auld Enemy, with England needing a win to ensure that they remain top of World Cup Qualifying Group F heading into the winter break – the Three Lions are 1/8 to win Group F.

And Southgate says that that position is the only thing on his mind, with the final game of his initial tenure a high-profile home friendly with Spain next Tuesday.

He told reporters: “I was asked to take four matches and I have got another two really exciting matches and I am looking forward to that.

“I have enjoyed it all and what happens to me is not important, it is about the team. I want to leave the team and country on top of the group at the end of Friday night – that is my only focus.”

Southgate also confirmed that Arsenal forward Theo Walcott could miss the game on Friday evening as his wife is expecting their child.

The recalled Jack Wilshere and a fit-again Harry Kane have been included in the squad to take on Scotland, with Dele Alli, Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling all notable injury absentees.

Southgate was also quick to point out that his players will need to be at their best to subdue the threat of a Scotland team he expects to be highly motivated. He added: “Whatever happened with their results, it does not reflect their performances

“Their mentality for a game like this is unquestionable and they have unquestionable spirit. We will have to better that and outplay them to win the game.”

England are priced at 4/11 to defeat Scotland at Wembley on Friday evening, with the hosts 9/2 to win 1-0 and 12/5 to win by a one-goal margin.