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Former England manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed that he will not return to coaching for at least a year after stepping down as national team boss in July following England’s defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Speaking at the European Club Association general assembly in Athens, Southgate, 54, said he needed time to rest and make thoughtful decisions before considering any new roles.
“I won’t coach in the next year for sure, I’m certain of that,” he said. “I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body and mind time.”
Southgate, who led England to two consecutive European Championship finals and a fourth-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, has been linked to potential roles at clubs like Manchester United, amid uncertainty surrounding the future of manager Erik ten Hag. However, Southgate ruled out a swift return to club management, stating, “I’m enjoying my life, so there’s no rush.”
Reflecting on the possibilities ahead, Southgate expressed interest in the broader football landscape beyond coaching. “The business side of football is really interesting… I’ve been invited to speak at Harvard and there are lots of exciting life experiences to have,” he added.
Southgate, who previously managed Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2009, indicated that he would not take up an international coaching role again and would be cautious before reentering club management. “Clubs can only be successful if everything is aligned… coaches are a small piece in this whole thing,” he said, noting how his experience had shifted his perspective on the role of coaches in football organizations.
A Shift in England’s Media Relations
During his tenure, one of Southgate’s notable achievements was transforming the historically strained relationship between the England team and the media, which he believes had a significant impact on the team’s performance. “The reconnection with the fans through a positive media strategy helps the team to feel more relaxed going into games,” Southgate explained.
However, he expressed concern that the negative media shift during England’s early struggles at Euro 2024 had added unnecessary pressure on the players. He warned that maintaining a strong relationship with both the media and fans is crucial for the national team’s future success.
While Southgate’s time as England manager has been praised for bringing consistency and restoring pride, he admitted that the lack of a trophy will always “eat away” at him. Despite England’s strong performances across four major tournaments, the missing piece—a trophy for the fans—remains elusive.
Interim Manager Lee Carsley’s Early Success
In the wake of Southgate’s departure, Lee Carsley has stepped in as England’s interim manager, winning both of his matches in charge. England will face Greece at Wembley on Thursday in the Nations League, followed by a match against Finland in Helsinki on Sunday.
Southgate’s 13-year involvement with the FA, which began with his appointment as head of elite development in 2011, culminated in one of the most successful periods in England’s recent football history. Yet, as Southgate steps away from the touchline, he leaves a legacy of transformation, marked by a renewed connection between the team, the media, and the fans, and a near-miss at footballing glory.
