Gareth Southgate undertook a new role in football earlier this week, having stepped down as England head coach in July 2024 just two days after England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
Southgate, 55, led England to a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final as well as two Euros finals during his eight-year reign as Three Lions boss, but ultimately fell short at the final hurdle.
Despite failing to secure silverware with England, he has been largely credited with building a cohesive working culture and strong bond between the players, whereas the generations before, including the so-called golden generation, admitted that ‘cliques’ in camp may have contributed to their lack of success.
Southgate was recognised in the King’s 2025 New Year Honours List for his service to Football and received a knighthood.
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Since leaving England, Southgate has been without a managerial role despite links with potentially replacing Ruben Amorim as Manchester United head coach.
And the 55-year-old has kept a low profile since taking a step back from management, although he explained that he has still been busy with writing a book as well as having “several business interests” on the go when he spoke at the PFA awards in Manchester last month.
When asked about a potential return to management, Southgate said that he’s enjoying his downtime but did not completely rule out being back in a dugout soon.
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“You can’t say never to anything because 15 years ago I left Middlesbrough and I wasn’t certain I would manage then,” the 55-year-old claimed.
But earlier this week, Southgate did, in fact, undertake a new role in football.
Southgate was joined by a number of footballing icons at the 11th Aspire Academy Global Summit in the US.
He was one of several who offered their expertise and insight during the event, with former Liverpool head coach Rafael Benitez and ex-AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta also speaking.
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“The most important thing for developing football is developing coaches,” Southgate said at the summit.
“We are all constantly learning. Bringing people together to share experiences and ideas helps us all grow, especially as the game continues to evolve."
Southgate previously coached Middlesbrough in the Premier League between June 2006 and October 2009 and was dismissed after the side was relegated.
Topics: England, Football, Gareth Southgate, Rafael Benitez
Luke Davies