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Gareth Southgate hails Wayne Rooney as the 'outstanding leader' in the England national team

Wayne Rooney of England during the UEFA EURO 2016 Round of 16 match between England and Iceland at Allianz Riviera Stadium
Image: Gareth Southgate has praised the 'outstanding' leadership of Wayne Rooney

Interim England manager Gareth Southgate has hailed Wayne Rooney as the "outstanding leader" in the national team and said he never doubted selecting him as captain for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia.

Southgate, who was handed the reins as England manager on a temporary basis last week following the departure of Sam Allardyce, selected Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard in his first squad, alongside 32-year-old Stoke City defender Glen Johnson.

Southgate's squad analysed
Southgate's squad analysed

What do Southgate's selections say about his approach to the caretaker role?

While Southgate has made significant changes to the squad, he underlined the importance of retaining Rooney's position as captain.

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Southgate is looking for stability as he prepares to take charge of the England team

"The decision to make him captain is quite simple," Southgate said at Monday's press conference.

"What I've seen is he's the outstanding leader in that group.

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"In a period of change the most important thing is leadership, and there was no doubt in my mind about keeping him in that position.

"We can't just have one leader, we've got to have a team full of them. The team I played in at Euro 96 had seven club captains. Wayne bears a lot of the burden for this team - too much at times - and I think it is a moment for everyone to pull together."

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Wayne Rooney (R) sits on the substitutes bench Michael Carrick
Image: Rooney sits on the substitutes bench alongside Michael Carrick

Rooney's role at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho has come under question after being benched for the last three games.  

However, Southgate remains adamant the 30-year-old has an important role to play for England moving forward.

"He was an incredible emergence on the scene when I was still in the England squad," said Southgate.

NORTHUMBERLAND - MARCH 31:  Garath Southgate and Wayne Rooney of England during the England training session at Slaley Hall, Northumberland, prior to the i
Image: Southgate says Rooney has 'matured' since breaking onto the international scene

"I've got to say, without being disrespectful, the character I saw in front of me last week was a stark contrast.

"The way he's matured, his understanding of what's needed - I couldn't have been more impressed."

Southgate has been appointed as England manager for the next four games, with a view to potentially sealing the job on a permanent basis if positive results follow.

Santi Cazorla was a goalscorer the last time Spain and England met, in Alicante in November
Image: Santi Cazorla was a goalscorer the last time Spain and England met, in Alicante in November

His stint includes three World Cup qualifiers, one of which is against Scotland, and a friendly against Spain at the end of November.

"The opportunity to do this is something no one will be able to take away from me, and I'm excited by the challenge," he added.  

"In my view it's a wonderful job to have for whatever period of time. 

Middlesbrough's English manager Gareth Southgate (L) instructs his Turkish player Tuncay Sanli during the English Premier League football match between Mid
Image: Southgate managed Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2009

"The workings of the last week have been almost identical to running the U21s. Yes, the profile is greater and the players a bit older, but if I was comparing it to taking over at Middlesbrough when everything was new, this has been far, far calmer.

"I've been able to look forward to it with a lot more excitement."

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