Southgate, who guided England to consecutive European Championship finals in 2020 and 2024, said he no longer sees himself returning to Premier League club management.
Speaking on The Amol Rajan Connection, he explained that towards the end of his England tenure, victories no longer provided lasting satisfaction. He said the feeling of achievement sometimes lasted only a few minutes, leaving him increasingly detached from football.
The 56-year-old added that he had not attended a football ground since watching his boyhood club, Crystal Palace, win the FA Cup.
Since stepping down, Southgate has explored opportunities outside management, including media work, a BBC documentary examining challenges facing young men and boys, and a visiting lecturer role at Harvard Business School.
He described the change as refreshing after decades in which his sense of identity depended heavily on match results.
Southgate also commented on Manchester City’s ongoing financial case, warning that the dispute could have serious consequences for English football. He argued that the complex process offered no obvious winners, regardless of the eventual outcome.
For now, Southgate appears content to continue exploring life beyond the touchline.
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Former England manager Gareth Southgate has opened up about the personal toll of his final years in charge, revealing why even victories stopped bringing lasting satisfaction and why he is enjoying life away from football management. Former England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed why his relationship with football changed after leaving the national team following Euro 2024, admitting...
Key takeaways
- Former England manager Gareth Southgate has opened up about the personal toll of his final years in charge, revealing why even victories stopped bringing lasting satisfaction and why he is enjoying life away from football management.
- Former England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed why his relationship with football changed after leaving the national team following Euro 2024, admitting that the pressure of management had taken much of the enjoyment out of the game.Southgate, who guided England to consecutive European Championship finals in 2020 and 2024, said he no longer sees himself returning to Premier League club management.Speaking on The Amol Rajan Connection, he explained that towards the end of his England tenure, victories no longer provided lasting satisfaction.
- He said the feeling of achievement sometimes lasted only a few minutes, leaving him increasingly detached from football.The 56-year-old added that he had not attended a football ground since watching his boyhood club, Crystal Palace, win the FA Cup.Since stepping down, Southgate has explored opportunities outside management, including media work, a BBC documentary examining challenges facing young men and boys, and a visiting lecturer role at Harvard Business School.He described the change as refreshing after decades in which his sense of identity depended heavily on match results.Southgate also commented on Manchester City’s ongoing financial case, warning that the dispute could have serious consequences for English football.
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Former England manager Gareth Southgate has opened up about the personal toll of his final years in charge, revealing why even victories stopped bringing lasting satisfaction and why he is enjoying life away from football management. Former England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed why his relationship with football changed after leaving the national team following Euro 2024, admitting...
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Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.
When was it published?
October 15, 2026
