Gareth Southgate: I barely watch football now, can't see scenario for club management return

Former England manager Gareth Southgate has admitted he cannot see himself returning to club management, revealing that football no longer occupies such a central place in his life. The 56-year-old led England to two European Championship finals and the 2018 World Cup semi-finals before stepping down in July 2024. Lee Carsley initially took interim charge before Thomas Tuchel was appointed as permanent manager.

Southgate's only previous managerial role at club level came at Middlesbrough, where he spent three years between 2006 and 2009. He managed the side for three Premier League campaigns before suffering relegation, and was sacked two months into their 2009/10 Championship season.

Southgate has remained out of management since leaving the England post. He revealed that he has barely watched any football since walking away and feels no urge to return to the Premier League dugout.

Speaking on The Amol Rajan Connection podcast, released on Thursday, Southgate was asked if he would ever return to elite management. He replied: "I have to say, I don't see a scenario where I would."

Asked to elaborate on his stance, Southgate explained how his relationship with the sport has shifted.

"Towards the end of my time with England, I stopped enjoying it, for a period anyway. Winning gets you through," he said.

"By the end, even winning only brought joy for a few minutes. That is why I have hardly watched any football. I went to the Champions League final the year after I left England. I went to the 2025 FA Cup final to see my team, Crystal Palace, win their first trophy. I haven't set foot in a football stadium since. So my desire to be part of it has changed. I've loved the last 18 months of my life. For 37 years, my sense of identity was tied to whether I won or lost on a Saturday. Actually, I really enjoy having different experiences."

Since departing the national setup, Southgate has served as an advisor within UEFA's Technical Observer Group, focusing on coaching development. His third book, Dear England: Lessons in Leadership, was published last year, and he also fronted a BBC documentary exploring the challenges facing young men in Britain.

Southgate was initially appointed as England's interim manager in September 2016 following Sam Allardyce's resignation, having previously been in charge of the England Under-21s.