Lallana says Southgate appointment would bring stability

LONDON: Midfielder Adam Lallana hopes interim manager Gareth Southgate will be handed the England job on a permanent basis to bring much-needed stability to the national team set-up.

Following England’s lacklustre 0-0 draw in Slovenia and an underwhelming home win over Malta in World Cup qualifiers last month, Southgate has two more games to convince the Football Association (FA) that he is the right man for the job.

“I think everyone is, even Gareth himself probably. We are looking forward to doing well for him and fighting for him over the next two games,” Lallana told British media when asked if he was keen on a quick resolution to the managerial situation.

Southgate was promoted from the under-21 set-up for a four-match run after Sam Allardyce parted ways with England after just one game in charge in September when he was caught seeking a lucrative sideline role in a newspaper sting.

“You need stability. What you don’t have at England is the time that you get at club level,” the Liverpool midfielder added.

“I’m sure Gareth will want to take on that challenge and we are ready to fight for him in the matches. Hopefully, he will do well enough to get the job on a permanent basis.”