Gareth Southgate has expressed that he holds no regrets regarding his eight-year tenure as England manager in his first interview since stepping down from the role. Southgate made the decision to resign after England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
During his time as Three Lions boss, the 54-year-old led England in four major tournaments, reaching two finals. Reflecting on his time in charge, Southgate stated, “I think it was probably the right time for change. We made decisions based on the information we had at the time to build a winning team. We aimed to raise expectations and put English football back on the map.”
Southgate responds to Lineker
Throughout his tenure, Southgate faced criticism for his team selection and playing style, particularly during Euro 2024. The recent international break saw interim manager Lee Carsley guide England to successive 2-0 victories over Republic of Ireland and Finland.
Former England captain Gary Lineker questioned Southgate’s methods, highlighting the impressive performances of Anthony Gordon, Jack Grealish, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who were perceived as underutilized during Southgate’s time as manager.
In response to Lineker’s comments, Southgate remained diplomatic, stating, “There’s no point in me discussing the team now. It’s time for others to take the reins and lead the team through future challenges.”
Southgate’s next job
Although Southgate has not ruled out a return to management, he emphasized the importance of taking time to consider his next steps. He mentioned the possibility of exploring opportunities outside of football, stating, “I have various options on the table and I am open to different possibilities. Whether it’s in football or another field, I will take some time to rejuvenate and then make a decision.”