Crawley MP Henry Smith has offered his congratulations to Gareth Southgate, who grew up in the town, on his appointment as interim manager of the England national football team.

Henry said;

“I'm delighted for Gareth Southgate on his appointment as interim manager of England.

“When he stands on the touchline for his first game, against Malta at Wembley next month, I’m sure the whole town will be proud that one of Crawley's own is in charge of the England team.”

Southgate’s appointment comes following Sam Allardyce leaving the post by mutual agreement with the Football Association on Tuesday, in light of a newspaper investigation alleging he offered advice on how to bypass rules on player transfers.

Gareth attended Pound Hill Junior and Hazelwick Schools, and married at Worth Church. He played 57 times for England, and has been manager of the national under 21 team since August 2013.

In an interview with the Telegraph in 2014, Southgate cited a number of his teachers at Pound Hill and Hazelwick as being a driving force on him taking up the sport.

Southgate will be in charge of England’s next four matches, his first game will be the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Malta at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 8th October.