Gareth Southgate Has No Regrets About His Resignation
After England's defeat in the Euro 2024 final, former Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate spoke to Sky News about his decision to step down and is still unsure if he wants to continue in football.
The decision came as a surprise to many. Just days after England lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain (1-2), Gareth Southgate decided to leave his role as England manager after eight years of dedicated service. "I think it was probably the right time for a change," he told Sky News on September 12, in his first public statement since his voluntary departure.
These eight years were challenging, during which he had to manage relations with a press known for its harshness and intrusion, and restore credibility to a team that had often disappointed despite having talented generations. A job he performed with notable success.
Although he didn't manage to bring home the title that the footballing nation has yearned for since 1966, he led the Three Lions to the finals of the last two European Championships and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. "We raised expectations, and that was important. We needed to put English football back on the map," he said seriously.
A Future Away from Football?
Proud of his record and insisting he has no regrets, Gareth Southgate has distanced himself from football in recent weeks. He needed time to recharge before considering his next move. In fact, he is uncertain about what his next chapter will look like. "I have many opportunities, and I am very open to what comes next. It could be in football, it could be outside of football. I’m just going to take some time, recharge, and go from there," he said cautiously. One thing is certain: he has finished with the England team, confirming that he has cut all contact. "It's time to let others take over and give them the space they need to lead the team to new challenges," he admitted.
While he waits to see what he will do and where, Gareth Southgate has been able to enjoy the successful start of Lee Carsley, the current interim manager, who has won his first two games in charge of England.
