England defender Gary Cahill has said that he is "looking forward" to working with Gareth Southgate during the upcoming international break.

Southgate has been appointed as interim boss after Sam Allardyce was forced to step down from the role last week, and will take charge of the Three Lions for the first time during the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia.

Cahill described Allardyce's exit as "disappointing", but is eagerly anticipating his time under Southgate.

"[Allardyce's departure is] disappointing. I can only comment on my dealings with him. For me, the week I enjoyed it we got a good result and my personal dealings with him were fine. It is disappointing to lose a manager but now we have to move on and prepare for the games coming up in the best possible frame of mind," he told reporters.

"[Southgate] is experienced as a player and now working with the Under-21s. Him and Steve (Holland) know the set-up, know how England is run and are familiar with the whole situation. We will have new challenges, new ideas but I am looking forward to working under him and taking on his ideas and plans for taking us forward.

"He was top player. As a kid, I was at Aston Villa in the Under-13s when he was there. I watched him many times and am familiar with his career and especially his career with England, he was very patriotic. I am looking forward to working with him. We are here for the same thing. Everyone wants to win these games after a tough week."

Cahill will win his 50th cap for England if he plays against both Malta and Slovenia.