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Marcus Rashford will be a superstar - Wayne Rooney

Southgate, formerly England Under-21s coach, has been placed in charge on a temporary basis after Sam Allardyce left his post as manager last week following just 67 days at the helm.

Speaking on the 16th anniversary of his final England appearance at Wembley, the former defender confirmed Wayne Rooney would captain the side and be joined in the starting XI by Arsenal's Theo Walcott.

"And also, another question for England about where I play - it's getting a bit exhausted, the questions about whether I play striker, midfield, number 10".

Admittedly he was underwhelming at the Euros in the summer but at 20-years-old he fits the bill as being one of the players England should be looking to build a team around for the future. "He's got all the ability so I don't see any reason why he can't". He's got a love for the game and every day he's got a ball at his feet. "For me, obviously an English manager would be good, but it's whoever is in the best shape and who is going to leave the country in the best way".

"Over the months he has matured a lot from making his debut to now".

Struggling to hold down a place in the Liverpool side, Sturridge is available at 2/7 (1.29) to stake his claim at global level with a goal here, while Vardy is on offer at the same 2/7 (1.29) price to end his six-game drought in all competitions.

"He's coming along nicely now but we can't forget he's only young - he's still going to grow and he's still going to be get bigger".

Rooney's 116 caps make him far and away the most experienced player in the 23-man group, albeit such leaders do not necessarily need to be in the starting line-up.

"I've answered that question many times and it's the same answer".

A home game against a nation ranked 176th in the world should present a relatively soft introduction, but he was clear that he wanted more than just three points from the game.

"So he's contributing well for the club and hopefully he can carry that on".

"I think Marcus is doing fantastic", he said.

"He's been a top professional on and off the field for us and we look up to him as well". I want to get back in the team.

"I think he's very determined (to win his place back)".

"He's remained captain here which is great and that will be great for his confidence as well".

Rejecting the theory he has burned out but conceding he has lost some of his pace, the 30-year-old feels his footballing intelligence will allow him to dictate games in midfield "to a very high standard" for years to come. Unlike numerous players, he has not spoken to Allardyce since the manager's unceremonious departure, or even exchanged text messages.

Lingard has scored in his last two appearances at Wembley, netting the victor in United's 2-1 FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace in May and the opener in their 2-1 Community Shield victory over Leicester in August.

"I think people can lead without being on the pitch - by the way I'm not saying that will be the case this weekend", Southgate said, in reference to Rooney's role against Malta on Saturday.

Another player off the Southampton production line who has displayed intelligence and talent to break into the first team.

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Marcus Rashford will be a superstar - Wayne Rooney