Gareth Southgate discusses future after stepping back from England management
Gareth Southgate has provided a fresh update on his potential return to management 16 months after he stepped back from the England job, reports BritPanorama.
Southgate, 55, resigned from the role on July 16, 2024, just two days after his side lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain. He held the role for eight years, leading England to two European finals and a World Cup semi-final.
Despite potential links to various jobs, including Manchester United, Southgate has not returned to the role of manager. He admitted that returning is “not high on my agenda,” claiming he is “not desperate to stay in football.”
He remarked, “I had an amazing time. Obviously, the great thing with England is that there’s this higher purpose. That’s going to be very hard to replicate.” Southgate joined the FA intending to help English football improve, particularly in youth development.
Southgate expressed his contentment with his current pursuits, stating, “I’m enjoying finding other areas where I think I might be able to make a difference.” He is currently considered an outsider for the Wolves job following the sacking of manager Vitor Pereira and is also a potential candidate for the Celtic job.
Reflecting on a possible return to club football, he noted, “You can never say never because I’ve just seen Martin O’Neill at his age go to Celtic. But it’s not something that’s high on my agenda at the moment.” Southgate added, “I’m very relaxed about not being in football at the moment.”
Since stepping back from the national team, Southgate has been able to spend more time with his family, travel, and play golf. He is also a strong advocate for helping young people by providing role models they can learn from.
Southgate has previously highlighted the role of the national football team in fostering unity amid societal tensions. “There is more that unites us than divides us,” he noted, reflecting on the initial disconnect the team had with the public during his tenure as manager.
As Southgate contemplates his next steps, the conversation around his future continues to spark interest, further underscoring his lasting impact on English football.
