Southgate’s four-game trial came to an end Tuesday with a 2-2 home draw against Spain in an international friendly.
The 46-year-old is currently the bookmakers’ favourite to be permanent boss, but that decision now rests with the Football Association.
“Until this run, under this spotlight, and in matches under intense pressure, you’re never sure how it is going to be,” Southgate said.
“I’ve proved I can manage big matches. Every situation I’ve been through, we’ve coped with well. We’ve built some important stability.
“Do I want the job? “Look, I loved doing it. That’s not my decision. “I think we’re proud of what we’ve done.”
Southgate looked ready to finish his unbeaten stint with a third win after goals from Adam Lallana and Jamie Vardy put England 2-0 up at Wembley Stadium.
However, Iago Aspas gave Spain a glimmer of hope in the 89th minute and Isco salvaged the draw with virtually the final kick of the game deep into injury time.
“We are devastated because we put a lot of work into it, I thought we worked really hard throughout the game,” Jordan Henderson, who captained England in place of Wayne Rooney, said.
“We will go away and look back on the game, look at the good and the bad and what we need to improve on. Overall we gave everything and you have to give credit to Spain.”
Southgate praised his side despite the late collapse.
“It was a fantastic performance and I can’t fault the effort,” he said. “I’m pleased with the way we pressed and used the ball going forward on the counter attack.
“We started to tire in the second half and that’s where keeping the ball better will allow us to conserve energy better. We played one of the best teams in the world and I can’t have asked for any more.
“Maybe not winning will be better for us in the long run, knowing what we have to do at this level. “We know the improvement that’s been made here.”
So now the question becomes does the FA know?
Southgate left his post as manager of England’s under-21s to temporarily take charge of the senior squad.
Although England don’t play again until March, he hopes the FA make a quick decision.
“The organization will go through a process so from my point of view I can reflect on a brilliant experience,” he said.
“I’m proud to have led the country for a couple of really important games and experienced what that feels like.
“We’ve got a European under-21 Championship next summer and the draw is being made next month, so I need to know where I’m going to park my car for the next few weeks.”
Source: dpa/GNA/NewsGhana.com.gh
