🇬🇧 Sir Gareth Southgate Reflects: "I Don’t Miss the England Job"
Sir Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, has candidly admitted that he doesn't miss managing the national team, saying it's a relief to no longer carry the enormous “weight” of the role.
The 54-year-old, who stepped down last summer after England’s heartbreaking Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, guided the Three Lions through one of their most consistent and hopeful eras in recent memory. Under his leadership, England reached two European Championship finals and secured a fourth-place finish at the 2018 World Cup—the best showing since 1990.
But as Southgate took his place on the other side of the spotlight this week—receiving his knighthood for services to English football—he confessed to BBC Sport that life away from the dugout has brought a surprising sense of calm.
“It’s a little bit strange [watching the team] but also I’m not missing it,” Southgate said. “I think it’s important that I’m on that sofa and out of their way… it’s theirs to take on now.”
Southgate becomes only the fourth England manager to be knighted, joining legends Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey, and Sir Bobby Robson.
⚖️ "The Weight Is Gone"
Southgate painted a vivid picture of the relentless pressure he lived under as England boss:
“Every hour of my day was thinking about how do I make England better. You don’t realise the weight until it’s gone.”
He compared it to leading any high-stakes organisation: constant decisions, continuous scrutiny, and the massive responsibility of carrying a nation’s hopes. Now, he says, it's time for a new chapter—both for him and the team.
🔁 New Era Under Tuchel
Southgate was succeeded by Thomas Tuchel, following Lee Carsley's brief interim spell. The German tactician has won his first three World Cup qualifiers but faced criticism after England’s recent friendly defeat to Senegal at the City Ground—where fans voiced their disapproval with boos.
Tuchel has already made headlines by claiming Southgate’s England lacked identity at Euro 2024, saying they “were more afraid to drop out than excited to win it.”
But Southgate remained composed and diplomatic:
“I don’t think it’s important how I took it. What’s really important is for me to give the team, the manager, the space to operate.”
🎤 “Now I’m Just a Fan”
Despite the criticism, Sir Gareth leaves the stage with dignity and legacy intact, opting to support the team from afar:
“I’ve had an amazing experience leading my country, but it’s time for them to take it forward now… I’ll be a fan at home, supporting it.”
From cautious leader to national figurehead, Southgate’s tenure may have ended without silverware—but with grace, evolution, and lasting impact.
