Tottenham defender backs Arsene Wenger as the man to turn around England's fortunes

Arsene Wenger is the man to turn the fortunes of the England team around, according to Tottenham Hotspur full-back Danny Rose. Arsenal boss Wenger is regarded as one of the leading candidates to be the permanent replacement for Sam Allardyce, who resigned after a newspaper sting.

Gareth Southgate has been placed in caretaker charge for the next four games, starting against Malta in the World Cup qualifier at Wembley on Saturday (8 October). Matches against Slovenia, Scotland and Spain follow, before the FA hope to appoint a coach on a long-term basis.

Wenger's reputation and experience in English football – allied with the dearth of contenders for the position – means the 66-year-old is the outstanding contender for the role. The three-time Premier League champion has refused to rule out considering the role should he leave Arsenal at the end of the season, and Rose would be comfortable the appointment despite his close links to rivals Tottenham.

"I'd welcome whoever is being linked with the job," the Spurs defender told the Evening Standard. "What he's done for Arsenal over the last 20 years has been brilliant, the football that Arsenal play is breathtaking to watch at times. If he was to ever become manager of England that could certainly do wonders for the country.

"It would be great to have a manager like him with all the experience he has got. I'd be all for that. I wouldn't find it strange. I'm a football fan more than anything. There are Arsenal players in the England camp, it doesn't mean that I don't speak to them.

"My best friend in football is Danny Welbeck and he plays for Arsenal, so just because Arsene Wenger has been manager of Arsenal, it wouldn't bother me in the slightest. It's about having the best man for the job."

The viability of appointing Wenger revolves around his future at Arsenal – which remains uncertain as he enters the closing months of his contract at the Emirates Stadium. The club are yet to engage in discussions over a fresh deal, or begin forming a shortlist of potential replacements.

While Eddie Howe and Alan Pardew have ruled out moving into the England hotseat, Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino has also indicated he would be interested in the role – but only after he has left north London. The Argentine coach has impressed both at Southampton and Spurs and is one of the few coaches to express an interest in the position.