Nearly 18 months after stepping down as England manager, Gareth Southgate has hinted that a return to football management is not off the table.
The 55-year-old, who resigned following England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, says he remains open to the right opportunity—even if a high-profile Premier League role were to arise.
“Honestly, you can never say never,” Southgate told BBC Breakfast.
“I’ve just seen Martin O’Neill at his age take on Celtic, so it’s possible.
But it’s not something I’m chasing at the moment.
I’m really enjoying my work around leadership and engaging with young people. That’s where my focus is right now.”
From England Boss to BBC Presenter
Since leaving the dugout, Southgate has been busy.
He’s been knighted by Prince William at Windsor Castle for his services to football, joining the ranks of Sir Walter Winterbottom, Sir Alf Ramsey, and Sir Bobby Robson as England managers to earn the honor.
He has also been linked with some of the top jobs in football, including Manchester United and Celtic, but for now he is content with stepping back from the day-to-day grind of professional football.
In addition, he has reportedly secured a role as the host of a new BBC show, One of a Kind, which will feature interviews with inspirational figures across a variety of fields.
Southgate has also been preparing to release a new book, while participating in speaking engagements and business ventures.
Reflecting on an England Legacy
Southgate’s tenure as England manager, which began in 2016, saw 102 matches in charge, with 61 wins, 24 draws, and 17 losses.
His leadership brought England to the finals of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, losing to Italy and Spain respectively.
The team also reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the quarter-finals in 2022.
Looking back, Southgate says he values the purpose behind his role with the national team.
“I joined the FA to try to help English football become better, especially in youth development.
Somehow I ended up as first-team manager, and we had a really good period.
But I’m not desperate to stay in football—I’ve had 37 amazing years in the game as a player and manager.”
A Knighted Career and Family Pride
Receiving a knighthood was a moving moment for Southgate. “I was more emotional than I thought I would be,” he said.
“It was an amazing experience for my whole family.
Meeting other award winners and seeing people who’ve done incredible things for our country was very special.
Prince William has always been a huge supporter of the England team and has spoken so brilliantly to the squad over the years—it was wonderful to see him again.”
Southgate also reflected on the people who have supported him throughout his journey: “I thought about all the coaches I’ve worked with, my family who have given me an incredible grounding, my wife and children, and all the staff and players I’ve been fortunate to work with along the way.”
No Rush to Return to Football
Despite speculation linking him to Wolves and Celtic in recent weeks, Southgate is clear that returning to management is not a pressing goal.
For now, he’s enjoying a change of pace, focusing on leadership, mentorship, and storytelling through his BBC role and other ventures.
Yet, as he puts it, “You can never say never,” leaving the door open for a potential return when the timing feels right.