England news: Gareth Southgate unsure whether he would accept England job on a permanent basis

Gareth Southgate may reject the permanent England manager’s role if the FA decides to offer him the job after upcoming fixtures against Scotland and Spain.

Southgate has enjoyed his time as the interim boss and his maturity during his short tenure has impressed many throughout the national game following Sam Allardyce’s dramatic exit in September.

In spite of this, the former England Under-21’s manager would like to know the essential details of the role offered to him before he makes any sudden decisions.

Southgate, who according to FA Chief Executive Martin Glenn is a 'credible candidate' no matter what happens in the forthcoming fixtures, would like to know the length of contract and take into account what demands the job may have on his family life before accepting.

“The agreement was to take these four games, to keep some continuity, and then everybody has a chance to reflect and review how it’s gone,” Southgate said, talking to the Football Journalism degree class at the University of Derby. “The FA [then] have a decision to make as to what they want to do. I think it’s a decision that needs a lot of thought, and also I think when you’re in the position I am in, you need to be clear of what is being asked.

“There is a big difference, for example, between being asked to take the team over the summer or to take the team for three years or take the team for a year and a half. I don’t think it is as easy as saying: ‘Yes I would like the job,’ and I would also like to see how it is affecting my family – and my health probably!”

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On the pitch, England remain unbeaten under Southgate after defeating Malta 2-0 at Wembley and drawing 0-0 away to Slovenia in his opening two games.

Southgate is also very popular amongst the FA’s major figures like Glenn and technical director, Dan Ashworth, after leading the England Under-21 side to success at the Toulon Tournament this summer.

The former England international, who said he didn’t want to succeed Roy Hodgson as England manager after Euro 2016, however, doesn’t expect to be offered the permanent role on the spot.

“Whatever happens after that I will have had an incredible life experience which will have made me a better manager, no question, and everybody will know more about [my] suitability for that role. So I think our guys are then going to want to interview people to see who the best candidates are and go through a process, I’m sure.”

Southgate seems to have had a calming influence on the England senior squad in recent months but the interim manager is still examining whether he is the right fit for the current setup.

“Really then I will have an idea of what I am able to do, what I’m able to affect, how that has been with the players, how that has been with the staff and how I feel myself really. All I can say is I have enjoyed the period up to now.”