Wednesday 16 November 2016 08:39, UK
Gareth Southgate said he was proud to have brought stability back to the England team following their 2-2 draw with Spain on Tuesday night.
The hosts let a two-goal lead slip in Southgate's final match in interim charge, with the Football Association now set to decide on Sam Allardyce's long-term successor.
Southgate remains favourite for the post having guided his side to two wins and two draws after taking the job on a temporary basis following Allardyce's departure.
England top World Cup qualifying Group F after beating Malta and Scotland and drawing against Slovenia under Southgate.
"The players over the period of the four matches couldn't have given any more," Southgate said. "I'm really pleased.
"This has been a brilliant experience and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the players. I can see the potential of the group.
"When I took over it was a moment of instability for everybody and I think we have brought stability back and built a platform for the team moving forward.
"In terms of the remit we were asked to do, I think we have fulfilled that and I'm proud to have led the country through a couple of really important games."
But when pressed on whether he would publicly declare his interest in the permanent job, he said: "I don't think that's the way people should do their business.
"I think it's right to speak privately about those matters. My whole focus has been on getting results for the team and the country and I am proud to have done that."
Two goals from Adam Lallana and Jamie Vardy put England on top at Wembley but Iago Aspas pulled one back in the 89th minute and Isco grabbed the equaliser deep into stoppage time, leading Southgate to concede his side tired in the closing stages.
"We had long discussions about how we should approach the game tonight and we felt we wanted to be a front-foot team that pressed high," he continued.
"If we were going to be defeated, it was by being positive and brave with and without the ball and at times we really did that well.
"It comes with a price as the game goes on because, although at times we kept the ball well and were a threat in transition, maybe as the second half went on we were not able to keep the ball enough and maybe you pay a price for that.
"They are a top side and you could see in the last 20 minutes we were fatiguing and hanging on a little bit. It feels like a defeat for the players but I couldn't be more proud of what they have done.
"They have really had a go at everything and it was a healthy, positive performance."
