England boss Gareth Southgate tells Aston Villa fans what to expect from Steven Gerrard

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Aston Villa have got themselves a manager with “great drive” in Steven Gerrard, according to England boss Gareth Southgate.

The Villans parted company with Dean Smith at the weekend following five successive Premier League defeats.

Villa have moved quickly to appoint his successor, bringing Gerrard in from Rangers on a three-and-a-half-year deal.

With the final international break of the year under way, Southgate spoke to the media ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier with Albania on Friday.

When asked by BBC Sport about Villa’s decision, the former claret-and-blue defender said (14:19): “I was very disappointed for Dean Smith, I wish him well.

“But it’s nice to see another English manager coming into the Premier League, with Eddie Howe going to Newcastle as well.

“I was a bit older when he came into the England team but he’s always had fantastic leadership qualities.

“He’s always had talent but always had a great drive.

“You could see that by the number of games where he led the team and made the difference at really important moments.

“He leaves one massive club to join another and it’s a great opportunity for him.

“It’s a chance to test himself in a league where every week there’s a different challenge.”

Villa are 16th in the Premier League table, two points above the relegation zone.

Gerrard’s first match in charge of Villa will be at home to Brighton after the international break.

The Villans have also have big games against Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea before the end of 2021.