Gareth Southgate showed his true colours by issuing a classy verdict on interim England boss Lee Carsley following the former Ireland international's 100 per cent start in charge of the Three Lions.

Southgate left his post as England chief following this summer's Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain, bringing an end to a close-to-decade-long stay at St. George's Park.

July's loss in Berlin marked the second consecutive final defeat at the European Championship, and even though there was talk the FA wanted Southgate to stay on for the 2026 World Cup, the tactician took the decision to leave himself.

Carsley was named interim coach for the autumn UEFA Nations League ties, with the ex-Birmingham City man getting off to a perfect start.

An exuberant England didn't concede a goal across the September international break, as they beat both Ireland and Finland 2-0 in League B Group 2.

And on the new era of the national team spearheaded by interim Carsley, Southgate told Sky News: "I had an incredible eight-year journey with the team, it was a privilege to manage my country.

"Fantastic staff, we wanted to do that final piece and to finish winning the final would've been perfection. But it wasn't to be. I'm sure the team can go on and be successful in the next years.

"I thought about a lot of things, I think it was probs the right time to change. I think what we see now is that hope change can bring and I'm completely content with that, eight years is a long time in a role.

"I'm looking forward to different challenges ahead now. I have to say I'm enjoying the rest."

Whereas when asked if he had any regrets during his tenure, Southgate added: "I don't think you can have any regrets, we make decisions we had at the time to try and produce a winning team.

"We went to the first final in 60 years, we went to another final we'd ever been to away from England. We made huge progress.

"Of course, as a professional, you want to win and ultimately, some people were clear on that.

"But we also had some incredible nights, the consistency to compete in every tournament and I'm hugely proud of that progress. As a leader, you need to look at where you picked it up and where you leave it."

After registering two wins from two as interim boss, Carsley has been tipped to go on and be named full-time manager ahead of next year's World Cup qualifiers.

But the under-21s gaffer served up a frank admission following England's win over Finland on Tuesday.

When asked if he's grown into the role across the two September internationals, Carsley told ITV: "I definitely don't feel comfortable, no. I've definitely been out of my comfort zone this international window."

England return to action under Carsley next month when fellow Nations League Group 2 highflyers Greece visit Wembley.