England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed that he is considering a future outside football coaching. The 54-year-old, who has been at the helm of the England national team since 2016, shared insights into his motivations and future aspirations in a recent interview.
Southgate Reflects on His Time at St. George’s Park
Southgate spoke about the deep sense of responsibility he felt as England manager, saying:
“Every morning I drove through the gates of St George’s Park, I had a responsibility to improve English football.”
He emphasized how this purpose gave him structure and fulfillment, shaping his professional and personal life. Under Southgate’s leadership, England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the finals of Euro 2020, achievements that reignited the nation’s faith in its footballing prospects.
Considering a Life Beyond Coaching
Southgate admitted that finding a similar sense of purpose outside his current role would be challenging. However, he hinted that he is not limiting himself to staying within football coaching.
“This higher purpose kept me on track, gave me structure, made my life more fulfilling, and is going to be extremely difficult to replicate. It’s why I’m not limiting my future options to remaining as a football coach.”
His openness to exploring other fields has sparked curiosity about what lies ahead for the England boss.
Gareth Southgate’s potential departure from football coaching signals the end of an era for English football. While his next steps remain uncertain, his leadership has left an indelible mark on the game. Whether in football or another field, Southgate’s commitment to making a meaningful impact will undoubtedly guide his journey.