LONDON — Former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate has said he does not miss being at the helm of the national team, describing the role as a heavy burden he is now relieved to be free from.
The 54-year-old stepped down from his position last summer following England’s heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
During his seven and a half years in charge, Southgate led the Three Lions to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final — achievements that marked one of the most consistent periods in England’s modern football history.
Speaking to BBC Sport after receiving a knighthood for services to English football, Southgate admitted that while it felt “strange” watching England from the sidelines, he no longer yearned for the pressures of the role.
“It is a little bit strange [watching the team] but also I’m not missing it,” Southgate said. “I think it’s important that I am on that sofa and out of their way, you know. It’s theirs to take on now.”
Southgate’s departure came on the back of increasing public and media scrutiny despite his relative success. Under his guidance, England reached the Euro 2020 final, finished fourth at the 2018 World Cup — their best result since 1990 — and consistently qualified from major tournament groups.
On Wednesday, he became just the fourth England manager in history to be knighted, joining the ranks of Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey, and Sir Bobby Robson.
Reflecting on the immense demands of the job, Southgate described a daily existence consumed by pressure and constant decision-making.
“I think it’s hard to describe because until that weight’s gone you don’t necessarily realise just on a day-to-day basis… every hour of my day was thinking about how do I make England better,” he said. “Any leader of big organisations, you’re constantly thinking about how to do your job as well as you can.”
Southgate was succeeded by former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel, following an interim stint by Lee Carsley. Tuchel has started his tenure with three consecutive wins in World Cup qualifiers but faced criticism after England’s recent 2-0 loss in a friendly against Senegal at Nottingham’s City Ground, where the team was booed off the pitch.
Tuchel himself offered a sharp critique of Southgate’s legacy upon taking charge, claiming England “were more afraid to drop out” of Euro 2024 “than having the excitement and hunger to win it.”
Asked to respond, Southgate remained diplomatic.
“I don’t think it’s important how I took it or what I think,” he said. “What’s really important is for me to give the team, the manager, the space to operate. I’ve had an amazing experience leading my country, but it’s time for them to take it forward now and I’ll be a fan at home supporting it.”
As England’s new era unfolds under Tuchel’s leadership, Southgate’s legacy remains one of pride, transformation, and near-glory — and now, a knighthood to cap it all.
