Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given his backing to Gareth Southgate to become the full-time England boss.
The 46-year-old is currently in temporary charge of the national team following Sam Allardyce's abrupt exit after just 67 days at the helm.
Southgate has overseen two World Cup qualifiers so far, the first of which ended in a 2-0 win over Malta and the second a goalless draw with Slovenia.
Wenger himself has been linked with the England vacancy, but the Frenchman has backed Southgate to take the job.
"He has handled himself quite well, he has accumulated experiences and was a good observer of what's going on in the national team," Wenger told reporters in Thursday morning's press conference. "We're in a job where you get questioned, especially if you have less experience and the only answer he can give is by showing the decisions he makes are right."
When asked if Southgate is the outstanding candidate for the job, Wenger replied: "Yes, he is. There's always a demand for big names but the most important thing is the person's competency. He has a good opportunity and I'm happy he has a chance to show he has the quality."
Wenger, who has been in charge of Arsenal for the last 20 years, will come to the end of his current contract next summer.
Danielle Joynson
