Damian Szymanski netted a 90th minute equalizer for Poland in Warsaw to deny England three points after Harry Kaneâs long-range opener in the 72nd minute.
There was a backlash and criticism after the game at Southgateâs decision not to utilize his bench to wind down the clock or reinforce his backline.
âWe were in total control of the game and to bring players into that moment when everyone was performing to a good level and we were in control of possession,â Southgate said.
âYou can put players into the game whoâve had to sit in the stand and its not so easy to come in in those latter stages.
âThere were a couple of moments we looked at it and said: âNo, were doing well, no problem. â
âWe were going to refresh the wide players right at the end but that wouldâve been to wind the clock down more than anything, but before we could get them in we conceded and it wasnât a good time to make a change.â
England remains top of Group I with 16 points, ahead of Albania on 12, Poland on 11 and Hungary on 10, all having played six games.
Elsewhere, Germany were in a goal scoring mood as Serge Gnabry, Antonio Rudiger, Leroy Sane and Timo Werner all netted in a 4-0 triumph away to Iceland.
Italy also showed no mercy with four first-half goals led by Moise Keanâs double as they ravaged Lithuania 5-0.
Pablo Fornals and Ferran Torres scored as Spain edged Kosovo 2-0 away, while a depleted Belgium squeezed past Belarus 1-0.