Gareth Southgate admits that he will not overlook the management of England after he receives the Order
Sir Gareth Southgate admits that he never missed England’s management and no longer felt the weight that comes with leading the national team.
The 54-year-old resigned from the role after Britain was beaten by Spain in the Euro 2024 Finals last summer, finishing his seven and a half years of tenure with another runner-up medal.
Southgate also led the team to fourth place in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with its best show in the tournament since 1990.
Despite these achievements, the former Middlesbrough boss says he is satisfied that he sees from afar.
“It’s a bit strange (looking at the team), but I haven’t missed it,” Southgate told BBC Sports.
“I think it’s important that I be on that couch and not get in their way.
Southgate was the night in his contributions to British football this week, following in the footsteps of Ir. Walter Winterbottom, Ir. Alf Ramsey and Ir. Bobby Robson, becoming the fourth England manager to receive such honor.
Looking back at the pressures of the job, Southgate said he really understands how much it is being consumed after he escapes.
Former England boss Gareth Southgate received the Order 🎖 pic.twitter.com/lq77tvggli
– BBC Sports (@bbcsport) June 25th, 2025
“You don’t necessarily notice on a daily basis until you run out of that weight, so I think it’s hard to explain because every hour I was making England better, thinking about what was going on with the players and how to do it differently,” he added.
“So, even leaders at large organizations are always thinking about how to do their job as much as possible.”
After Southgate’s departure, Thomas Tushell was appointed his lasting successor, following a brief interim spell by Lee Carsley.
Tuchel got off to a perfect start in World Cup qualifying, but faced criticism from supporters after England experienced a friendly defeat to Senegal on the ground in the city.
Upon getting the job, Tushell claimed that Southgate’s English side “had no clear identity,” and said he “fears more of a fall (in Euro 2024) than having excitement and hunger to win it.”
When asked about these comments, Southgate refused to engage in the war of words.
“I don’t think it matters how I took it (Tuchel’s criticism) or how I took what I think,” he said.
“I think what really matters is giving the team, managers and management space, and that’s the right thing to do.
“I had a great experience leading my country, but now is the time for them to move forward with it. I’m going to be a fan at home that supports it.”