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England role looks
set to be Southgate’s

INTERIM England manager Gareth Southgate has two more matches to make the case for getting the job on a long-term basis but punters seem to think he already has the position wrapped up.

Since early Tuesday, Southgate has shortened from 4-6 to 1-3 to be named as the permanent successor to Sam Allardyce while rivals Roberto Mancini and Arsene Wenger have eased to 9-1 and 12-1.

One report has suggested that Southgate could be given the job on a permanent basis after next Tuesday's friendly with Spain but his popularity would take a hit if England fail to beat Scotland at Wembley on Friday.

The Three Lions are 4-11 to get the win but Southgate has already had to make two changes to his squad with Jordan Pickford and Aaron Cresswell replacing injured duo Fraser Forster and Danny Drinkwater.

Coral offer 9-4 that Southgate guides England to victory in the World Cup qualifer with Scotland and the friendly with Spain four days later.

Wales have been weakened in defence for Saturday's home match against Serbia after West Ham centre-back James Collins (calf) joined Tottenham left-back Ben Davies in withdrawing from the squad.

Bristol City full-back Adam Matthews and MK Dons central defender Joe Walsh have been called up as replacements.

Ireland winger James McClean (back) was undergoing a scan yesterday to ascertain whether he will be available for Saturday's clash away to Austria.

Martin O'Neill's side have already lost the services of Everton midfielder James McCarthy (hamstring), Stephen Ward, Stephen Quinn and Cyrus Christie.

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