Gareth Southgate: ‘I’m Enjoying Life’ – England’s Ex-Manager Opens Up on Future
Former England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed that he has no immediate plans to return to football, stating that he is “very much enjoying his life” away from the dugout. The 54-year-old, who led the Three Lions to a World Cup semi-final and two European Championship finals, stepped down after the Euro 2024 defeat to Spain last July.
Southgate’s Impact on England
Southgate’s reign as England boss was marked by a cultural shift within the national team, with the former defender instilling a sense of unity and purpose that saw the side come close to lifting major silverware on several occasions.
Despite his relative success and the admiration he earned from fans and pundits alike, Southgate has taken a step back from football since leaving his role, focusing on various business interests, a book, and leadership work.
“Not at the moment, I’m very much enjoying my life.
I’ve got some business interests, I’m in the middle of writing a book, I do some work around leadership, I still do some work with young coaches and I’m trying to help out where I can with the crisis we have around young men. I’m trying to put some things in place for that.
I’ve also got time to enjoy my life and yes, I am enjoying my life.
Gareth Southgate, speaking to Daily Mail Sport at the 2025 PFA Awards gala
England Under Thomas Tuchel and the Road to 2026
Since Southgate’s departure, England have appointed Thomas Tuchel as their new manager, with the German preparing the Three Lions for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States.
While Southgate admitted to being “excited” about the tournament, he made it clear that he intends to keep a low profile, stating, “It’s very important I stay out the way of it all.”
England’s form under Tuchel has been somewhat patchy, with narrow victories over lesser opposition sandwiching a disappointing defeat to Senegal in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Despite this, the Three Lions sit atop their group, level on points with Greece.
Southgate Honoured at PFA Awards
At Tuesday’s PFA Awards ceremony, Southgate was recognised for his services to football with the 2025 PFA Order of Merit. Meanwhile, Liverpool sensation Mohamed Salah was named Players’ Player of the Year.
“Did you know?”
- Gareth Southgate is the second-longest serving England manager in history, behind only Sir Alf Ramsey.
- Under Southgate, England became the first team to reach two consecutive European Championship finals since Germany in 1992 and 1996.
- The 2026 World Cup will be the first to be jointly hosted by three nations – the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FAQs
- Q: When did Gareth Southgate step down as England manager?
A: Southgate left his role after the Euro 2024 final, which took place in July 2024. - Q: Who is the current England manager?
A: Thomas Tuchel took over from Southgate in the autumn of 2024.
Final Thoughts
Gareth Southgate’s time as England manager saw the national team come closer to winning a major tournament than at any point since 1996. While his future in football may be uncertain, his impact on the Three Lions will be felt for years to come. As England look ahead to the 2026 World Cup under Thomas Tuchel, fans can only hope that the team can continue to build on the foundations laid by Southgate.
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