Gareth Southgate Reflects on His England Managerial Journey and Future in Football
Former England manager Gareth Southgate shares insights on his departure, the pressures of the role, and his support for the team's future under new leadership.

Former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate has openly discussed his feelings about stepping down from his role after the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain. Southgate, who was knighted for his contributions to English football, expressed relief from the immense pressures that came with managing the national team.
During his tenure, Southgate led England to two European Championship finals and a commendable fourth place at the 2018 World Cup, marking England's best performance since 1990. Despite these achievements, Southgate admitted that he does not miss the daily responsibilities and the weight of national expectations.
"It is a little bit strange watching the team but also I'm not missing it," Southgate told BBC Sport. He emphasized the importance of giving the new manager, Thomas Tuchel, and the team the space to develop and succeed without his interference.
Southgate also reflected on the criticisms from Tuchel, who suggested that Southgate's England lacked a clear identity and was more focused on avoiding failure than striving for victory. "I don't think it's important how I took it or what I think," Southgate remarked, underscoring his commitment to supporting the team from the sidelines.
As England moves forward under Tuchel's guidance, Southgate remains a staunch supporter, ready to cheer for the team from his home, marking a new chapter in his post-managerial life.