England defeat ‘not fair’ on fearless Scotland, says Gordon Strachan

There has been much talk about Stones’ ability to use the ball well for a central defender over the past couple of years, but the plain truth of the matter is that whenever he is under the pump he looks completely ill at ease.

“You just have to do the job”.

“I wanted us (on Friday night) to be an England team that played with confidence and were prepared to use the ball even though it was a very intense and hard atmosphere”.

“I’ve loved it, I’ve really enjoyed the role and the responsibility, the challenge of every part of it. There are nights where you have to get over the line and get the result, but it’s been a brilliant experience”.

Southgate has studiously avoided laying claim to the job, though his assertion that he was loving the experience after seeing off the Scots was a firm indication he wants more of the same. “From that side, no”.

Southgate was only placed in charge for four games, with the final one of those coming against Spain on Tuesday.

League Managers Association chairman Wilkinson is the last English title-winning manager and was twice caretaker boss of the Three Lions.

“I think he’s got the ideal manager to work with and to hone and for all of our defenders, that’s what we want to encourage”. What I’ve got to think about everybody in that dressing room.

Southgate was handed the job in the wake of Sam Allardyce’s departure and has led England to seven points from a possible nine in his three competitive games at the helm.

Perhaps due to rest, reflection or shock, he has shown signs of life in United’s recent matches and Southgate has confirmed the forward will start tonight.

“I’m very conscious that (you) do what you are doing as well as you possibly can and then opportunity (arises)”.

Southgate has consistently expressed his desire to take on the role full-time and indicated he expects the process to begin after the game against Spain.

Cahill was booked for pulling back Forrest – meaning that he will miss England’s next qualifier at home to Lithuania in March – but that was forgotten soon after the hour when he scored the third to put the game beyond any doubt, heading a Rooney corner past Craig Gordon. “I think we have certain attributes in the team that lend themselves to playing in a certain style”. “On another day we will be punished for mistakes”.

Asked if he thought the SFA would discuss his position, Strachan replied: “I don’t know”.

“I have to think about all those guys in there who have been tremendous for me. It’s disappointing but we’ve got to look to improve”. At times that’s going to encounter difficulties.

“I want time to go away and reflect at the end of this fortnight”.

Although the game largely passed off peacefully, objects were thrown onto the field in north London in the second half, with England goalkeeper Joe Hart having to clear them.