GARETH SOUTHGATE says making Wayne Rooney captain was a simple decision.
The England boss announced Rooney would stay on as skipper after taking charge last week.
And it was an easy call for the former Middlesbrough chief to make.
Southgate said: “The decision to make him captain is simple.
“From what I’ve seen around St George’s over last two years he is the outstanding leader of the group.
“There’s been a period of change over the summer and now this month and the most important part is leadership on and off the field.
“The way he has matured into that role is really impressive.
“There was no doubt in my mind about keeping him in that position.”
England host Malta in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Saturday before travelling to Slovenia on Tuesday night.
Marcus Rashford has been included in the squad after impressing Southgate with a hat-trick on Under-21 duty. Rashford’s Manchester United team-mate Jesse Lingard has also been picked.
Southgate explained: “Jesse is a player we’re very impressed with. He’s now establishing himself in Jose’s team which speaks volumes about the levels he’s hitting.
“Marcus was outstanding for us last month. What impressed me most was his mentality towards the whole week.
“We can all see his ability and but his maturity around the camp and the way settled into the group was impressive – even as the youngest player in the group.
“We had a discussion two weeks ago and I saw no reason to change that plan.”
Southgate takes temporary charge for the next four games following Sam Allardyce’s shock axing last week.
He says he hasn’t had time to think about whether he wants the job permanently as he’s been in a bunker at St George’s Park.
But the pair have touched base by text message following Big Sam’s exit.
Southgate added: “We exchanged messages. I didn’t want to be seen as someone waiting in the wings for an opportunity.
“Sam knew that and I felt it was important to thank him.
“The working relationship from my point of view was very positive.
“He’s got a situation to deal with now and I’ve got to get on with leading my country forward.”
