Hubbry Logo
search
logo
Gareth Southgate avatar
Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate
current hub
434

Gareth Southgate

logo
Community Hub0 Subscribers
Read side by side
Gareth Southgate
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Sir Gareth Southgate (born 3 September 1970) is an English former professional football manager and player, who played as a defender and midfielder.

Key Information

A Crystal Palace academy graduate, Southgate made his senior debut for the club in 1990, and was appointed club captain in 1993, winning the First Division championship that season (1993–94). Having made over 150 appearances for Palace, he was signed by Aston Villa in 1995, winning the League Cup in 1996 and reaching the 2000 FA Cup final, before departing for Middlesbrough, where he was appointed captain in 2002 and won another League Cup in 2004, as well as reaching the 2006 UEFA Cup final. Internationally, Southgate made 57 appearances for the England team between 1995 and 2004. He played every game of England's campaign in UEFA Euro 1996, though his penalty miss sent England out in the semi-final; he also featured in both the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000. He retired in 2006 at the age of 35, having made more than 500 league appearances across his three clubs.

Immediately following his retirement, Southgate was appointed manager of Middlesbrough, staying in the role until his dismissal in 2009. He also managed the England under-21 team from 2013 to 2016, before succeeding Sam Allardyce as the senior team's manager in 2016. He led England to the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, the UEFA Euro 2020 final, the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, and the UEFA Euro 2024 final. In 2018 and 2021 he won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award.

Early life and education

[edit]

Gareth Southgate was born on 3 September 1970 in Watford, Hertfordshire.[4][5] He attended Padnell Infant School in Cowplain, Hampshire,[6] along with Pound Hill Junior School and Hazelwick School in Crawley, West Sussex.[7] As a schoolboy he supported Manchester United and his football hero was Bryan Robson.[8] He left school with eight O-Levels at grades between A and C.[9] He studied at Croydon College between 1987 and 1989, successfully completing a City & Guilds Certificate in Recreation and Leisure Industries as part of The Footballers Further Education & Vocational Training Society Youth Training Scheme.[10]

Club career

[edit]

Crystal Palace

[edit]

Southgate played as a youth for two and a half years for Southampton before being released as a thirteen-year-old.[11] He subsequently joined Crystal Palace, making his professional debut as a substitute in a Football League Cup tie against Southend United in October 1990.[12] His league debut came against Liverpool in March 1991.[12] Southgate became a regular in the first team during the 1991–92 season, making 39 appearances.[12]

Southgate became captain at the age of 23 and led the club to the 1993–94 First Division title, scoring nine goals from central midfield.[12] After the South London club's relegation from the Premier League in 1995, Southgate moved to Aston Villa for a fee of £2.5 million.

Southgate's nickname at Palace was "Nord", given to him because his precise way of speaking reminded coach Wally Downes of Denis Norden's vocal delivery.[13]

Aston Villa

[edit]

Southgate made 191 appearances for Aston Villa over six seasons.[12] At the club, Southgate was converted into a centre-back and was part of a formidable defence. In his first season, he lifted the League Cup and Aston Villa qualified for the UEFA Cup. Southgate played in every Premier League game during the 1998–99 season. He continued to play for Villa in the 1999–2000 season as the club reached the FA Cup final, but handed in a transfer request just before playing for England at Euro 2000, saying that "if I am to achieve in my career, it is time to move on."[14]

Middlesbrough

[edit]

On 11 July 2001, Southgate signed for Middlesbrough for a £6.5 million fee. He joined on a four-year deal and was the first signing by Steve McClaren, whom he knew as an England coach.[15][16]

In July 2002, after Paul Ince left for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southgate was appointed the new Middlesbrough captain. On 29 February 2004, he became the first Boro skipper in their 128-year history to lift a trophy, as they defeated Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup final at the Millennium Stadium.[17]

Southgate rejected media rumours that he was set to move to Manchester United following Rio Ferdinand's ban for missing a drug test in January 2004.[18] He later committed his final playing years to Middlesbrough, signing until 2007. His final appearance as a professional player was in the 2006 UEFA Cup final against Sevilla, which Middlesbrough lost 4–0 at the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven.[17]

International career

[edit]

Southgate made his debut for England as a substitute against Portugal in December 1995 under the management of Terry Venables, heading the ball against the crossbar with his first international touch.[19] Southgate played every minute of their matches as hosts England reached the semi-final of UEFA Euro 1996, in which they faced Germany. The match was determined in a penalty shoot-out; Southgate's penalty was saved, and England were eliminated when Andreas Möller scored the next German penalty.[20][21] Southgate managed to make light of his blunder later that year by appearing in an advert for Pizza Hut, also featuring Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle, who had missed crucial penalties at the 1990 FIFA World Cup.[22]

Southgate also played in the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000.[23] His 50th cap came in a 1–1 draw with Portugal at Villa Park in September 2002.[19] On 11 June 2003, he played the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 Euro 2004 qualifying win over Slovakia at his club ground of the Riverside Stadium, competing against Middlesbrough's striker Szilárd Németh.[24]

Southgate was capped 57 times for England and scored twice.[19] His first goal came on 14 October 1998 against Luxembourg in a Euro 2000 qualifier, his second on 22 May 2003 against South Africa in a friendly.[19] He is Aston Villa's most capped England player, having played 42 of his 57 internationals whilst with Villa.[25]

Managerial career

[edit]

Middlesbrough

[edit]

2006–07 season

[edit]

Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren left the club in June 2006 to replace Sven-Göran Eriksson as the manager of the England national team.[26] Although Martin O'Neill was initially the favourite for the new vacancy,[27] Southgate was chosen by chairman Steve Gibson to succeed McClaren, committing to a five-year contract.[28] As Southgate did not have the required coaching qualifications (the UEFA Pro Licence) to manage a top-flight club, he could only be appointed initially for twelve weeks,[29] but he was allowed to stay on as manager after receiving a special dispensation from the Premier League board in November 2006. Middlesbrough successfully argued that, because Southgate had recently been an international player, he had had no opportunity to undertake the coaching courses.[30] Southgate subsequently went on to complete his coaching qualifications.[31]

Upon his appointment, Southgate was tasked with rebuilding a side that had sold several players at the end of the previous league campaign, including key players such as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Doriva.[32][33] His first signing as a manager came on 12 July, when Herold Goulon signed from Lyon for an undisclosed fee.[34] He brought in four defensive additions to the squad, with Julio Arca arriving from local rivals Sunderland,[35] Robert Huth from Chelsea and Jason Euell from Charlton Athletic on permanent deals,[36][37] whereas Jonathan Woodgate joined on a season-long loan from Real Madrid.[36] After playing eleven games in their pre-season campaign, Southgate's managerial reign kicked off on 19 August 2006, the first day of the Premier League season, where his side lost 3–2 away at Reading.[38] Despite a disappointing start, they redeemed themselves when hosting reigning champions Chelsea at the Riverside Stadium, the game ending in a 2–1 victory.[39]

During Southgate's first season in charge, the side secured some promising victories, but lost away from home to all three newly promoted sides.[38][40][41] Furthermore, it took until January for the team to register their first away win of the season, a 3–1 victory at an out-of-form Charlton Athletic, their first away success since April of the previous year.[42] Their highest-scoring victory of the season was a 5–1 win over Bolton Wanderers.[43] Southgate's side finished the Premier League season sat in twelfth position.[44] That season also saw the club eliminated from the League Cup at the earliest possibility, suffering a 1–0 defeat to Notts County in the first round. In the FA Cup, the club had a replay in every round they participated in. They were eventually eliminated by Manchester United in the sixth round of the competition, suffering a 3–2 aggregate loss. Due to every possible match going to a replay, Middlesbrough actually played more competition matches than the previous season's champions Liverpool.[45]

2007–08 season

[edit]

Middlesbrough were very active during both transfer windows, with Jonathan Woodgate being the first signing during the summer, arriving from Real Madrid for a £7 million transfer fee; Woodgate had previously played for the club during the previous league campaign on loan.[46] The club went on to break their personal transfer record, for the first time since 2002, when Afonso Alves arrived from Heerenveen for €20 million.[47]

In December 2007, Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger suggested Southgate as one of several English managers who were "all good enough" to manage the national team.[48] Southgate had faced some criticism earlier on that season, after his side suffered a spell in the relegation zone, but Middlesbrough managed to pull clear of the bottom three.[49] Southgate would go on to guide his side to a thirteenth-place finish in the Premier League; their final game of the league campaign saw them secure an 8–1 victory against Manchester City at home, the club's biggest victory in the Premier League era, and Southgate's largest margin of victory in management.[50]

2008–09 season: Relegation and dismissal

[edit]

The pre-season build-up ahead of the 2008–09 season was disappointing for the club. Due to heavy spending during the previous season, the club's net spending was almost nil. Furthermore, club legend Mark Schwarzer left the club after eleven years, joining Premier League rivals Fulham on the expiration of his contract.[51] Furthermore, key players such as George Boateng and Lee Cattermole also left the club, once again leaving Southgate with a rebuilding challenge to change Middlesbrough's fortunes.[52][53] Despite the negative events during pre-season, Middlesbrough secured two victories out of a possible three, resulting in Southgate being named the Premier League Manager of the Month for August. This made Southgate the second person, after Stuart Pearce, to achieve both the Player and Manager of the Month awards, and he became the first Middlesbrough manager to win the award since Terry Venables in January 2001.[54]

In November 2008, Southgate took Middlesbrough up to eighth place in the league, following an away win against an in-form Aston Villa, another former playing club of Southgate's; however, Middlesbrough then went fourteen games without a win, until they beat Liverpool at home 2–0 on 28 February 2009.[55] After an away defeat against Stoke City, some of the travelling supporters were calling for his dismissal, having only achieved a single win in eighteen games and survival from relegation looking highly unlikely. On 24 March, chairman Steve Gibson spoke out on the manager's future, stating that sacking Southgate "would not help the situation".[56]

Due to results elsewhere, Middlesbrough's status as a Premier League club went down to the final day: they needed relegation rivals Newcastle United and Hull City to lose, with them needing a five-goal swing to the latter in goal difference.[57] Middlesbrough faced West Ham United away from home; the game ended in a 2–1 defeat, confirming Middlesbrough's relegation to the Championship after eleven consecutive seasons in the top flight, as a 19th-place finish was confirmed.[58] Following their relegation, Southgate expressed his determination to achieve instant promotion back up to the Premier League, praising the supporters and showing his sorrow for them in the process.[59]

Middlesbrough's Championship campaign started strongly, putting them in contention for an immediate return to the Premier League. However, on 20 October 2009, shortly after a 2–0 victory over Derby County and with the club in fourth place, Southgate was dismissed as manager. His dismissal was controversial as he had taken Middlesbrough to within one point of the top position,[60][61] though chairman Gibson stated that he had made the decision weeks previously in the best interests of the club.[62] He was replaced by Gordon Strachan, who was unable to take the club back to the Premier League.[63] Middlesbrough would have to wait until 2016 to achieve promotion to the Premier League, under the management of Aitor Karanka.[64]

England

[edit]

2013–2016: Tenure with the under-21s

[edit]
Southgate in 2013

After four years out of football, Southgate returned to management after he signed a three-year contract to succeed Stuart Pearce as the manager of the England under-21 team on 22 August 2013.[65] Senior team manager Roy Hodgson had taken charge for the team's 6–0 victory over Scotland in the interim period prior to Southgate's appointment.[66][67] His first game in charge saw the Young Lions defeat Moldova 1–0 in a UEFA European Championship qualification match, thanks to a goal from striker Saido Berahino.[68]

Southgate went on to lead his team to qualify for the finals of the 2015 European Championship; their good fortune could not continue, however, as they finished bottom of their narrow-pointed group, therefore being knocked out of the competition. Their only victory during the competition came when Jesse Lingard scored the singular goal in their 1–0 success over Sweden, who went on to qualify for the competition's knockout phase.[69]

In June 2016, Southgate said that he did not want to fill the England senior team position left vacant by Hodgson.[70]

2016–2017: Promotion to senior team role

[edit]

Southgate was put in temporary charge of the senior England team on 27 September 2016, when Sam Allardyce resigned.[71] England were in the early stages of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. After winning his first game in charge 2–0 against Malta,[72] under Southgate's leadership, England went on to draw 0–0 with Slovenia,[73] beat Scotland 3–0,[74] and in his last game in temporary charge, drew 2–2 with Spain, despite leading 2–0 and conceding goals in the 89th and 96th minutes.[75] Southgate's spell as caretaker manager ended on 15 November,[76] with him appointed on a permanent basis when he penned a four-year contract two weeks later.[77]

2018 World Cup

[edit]
Southgate with England at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

The England team qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup on 5 October 2017 after a 1–0 home win over Slovenia.[78] The Football Association confirmed in December that Southgate would remain as England manager even if the team did not progress beyond the group stage of the tournament, describing their expectations as "realistic" and the tournament as "a really important staging post for our development".[79]

After wins against Tunisia and Panama saw England qualify behind Belgium in their group, Southgate's England beat Colombia 4–3 on penalties in the round of 16 after a 1–1 draw on 3 July 2018 to claim his nation's first ever World Cup penalty shoot-out victory and a place in the quarter-finals.[80] England then defeated Sweden 2–0 in the quarter-finals on 7 July, with Southgate becoming the first England manager to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup since Bobby Robson in 1990.[81] This success bought Southgate significant admiration from England fans.[82] For the semi-final with Croatia, fans dressed up in waistcoats in tribute to Southgate's iconic waistcoat, which he wore during England's matches: retailer Marks & Spencer reported a 35% increase in sales of waistcoats,[83][84][85] and the hashtag 'WaistcoatWednesday' trended on Twitter.[85][86]

On 11 July 2018, Southgate's England side suffered a 2–1 defeat to Croatia during extra time in the semi-finals. Kieran Trippier opened the scoring for England with a free kick, before a goal from Ivan Perišić sent the tie into extra time. Mario Mandžukić scored the winner for Croatia in the second half of extra time. With England trailing, the match also saw England play the final ten minutes of extra time with ten men as Trippier suffered an injury after Southgate had already made his permitted substitutions.[87] Following a 2–0 defeat to Belgium in the third place play-off, England ended the World Cup in fourth place.[88] Harry Kane, a striker and the England team captain, won the Golden Boot as the tournament's top goal-scorer.[89]

A week after the end of the tournament, Southgate tube station in Enfield, London, was renamed "Gareth Southgate" for two days in recognition of Southgate's achievement.[89] Southgate was also lauded for personal qualities shown in the World Cup, including consoling Colombia's Mateus Uribe, whose missed penalty had seen England win.[90]

2018–19 UEFA Nations League

[edit]

In 2019, Southgate managed England to third place in the inaugural UEFA Nations League. They did so after finishing top of a group containing Spain and Croatia. Their 3–2 victory away against the Spanish was their first victory in Spain for 31 years.[91] They lost 3–1 to the Netherlands in the semi-final but then beat Switzerland 6–5 in a penalty shootout after the third-place match finished goalless. It was England's first third-place finish in a major international tournament since UEFA Euro 1968.[92]

UEFA Euro 2020

[edit]

At UEFA Euro 2020, England finished top of Group D which included Croatia, Scotland and the Czech Republic, beating Croatia 1–0 to start the European Championship with a win for England for the first time,[93] drawing Scotland 0–0,[94] and winning against the Czech Republic 1–0,[95] with forward Raheem Sterling scoring both goals. In the round of 16, England defeated Germany 2–0 at Wembley Stadium with two late goals from Sterling and Kane, their first knockout phase win at the European Championships (as their only previous victory was defeating Spain on penalties in UEFA Euro 1996).[96] This was also their first win over Germany in a knockout match since the 1966 FIFA World Cup final.[97]

In the quarter-final tie, Southgate's England team beat Ukraine 4–0 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome to reach the semi-finals of a major competition for the fifth time.[98] In the semi-final, England beat Denmark 2–1 at Wembley Stadium and reached the final of the European Championships for the first time.[99] It was only the second time that England had reached any major tournament's final.[100] In the final at Wembley Stadium, an early goal from defender Luke Shaw saw England lead 1–0, before Italy's Leonardo Bonucci levelled the match in the 67th minute. With the scores unchanged after extra time, England ultimately lost the match 3–2 on penalties.[101]

Build up to 2022 World Cup

[edit]

In September 2021, England tied their highest FIFA ranking position at 3rd.[102] In November 2021, Southgate led England to World Cup qualification following a 10–0 win over San Marino.[103] A week later he signed a new contract which meant he would remain the England manager until December 2024.[104] In June 2022, Southgate led England into the UEFA Nations League. England drew three of their matches in the competition and lost the other three, which included a 4–0 defeat to Hungary on 14 June 2022. This was the country's worst home defeat since 1928.[105] On 23 September 2022, following a 1–0 defeat to Italy, England were relegated to League B.[106]

2022 World Cup

[edit]

England won their group at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with wins against both Iran and Wales, and a goalless draw with the United States. In the round of 16, England beat Senegal 3–0, advancing to the quarter-finals, where they lost 2–1 to France.[107] In the immediate aftermath of this defeat, Southgate expressed doubts about continuing as England manager. On 18 December 2022, the FA confirmed Southgate would remain in post until after the UEFA Euro 2024.[108]

UEFA Euro 2024 and departure

[edit]

On 17 October 2023, England secured qualification to UEFA Euro 2024 with two games remaining. During the qualification campaign, England recorded their first home and away victories over Italy since 1977 and 1961 respectively.[109] England finished top of their qualification group, as they remained unbeaten throughout the calendar year.[110]

During the tournament, England won Group C with 5 points, qualifying for the knock out rounds.[111] Despite qualifying with a game to spare, Southgate and his team were criticised by fans and pundits, particularly after a 1–1 draw with Denmark in the second game; Southgate said that he blanked out criticism.[112] A goalless draw with Slovenia in the last group game saw England top their group, but the team were booed,[113] and Southgate was struck with objects from the crowd; he said that he understood fans' frustration but felt that the negativity was harming the players.[114]

In the round of 16, England beat Slovakia by equalising through a Jude Bellingham overhead kick in added time, before Harry Kane headed the winner in the first minute of extra time.[115] After the game, Declan Rice said that the team were committed to each other and the manager, and Southgate said that the team were "putting plasters over things".[116] England's quarter-final against Switzerland ended in a 1–1 draw before England scored all five of their attempts in the penalty shootout.[117] In the post-match press conference, Southgate said "Every now and then there has to be some enjoyment in this job and if you can't enjoy that moment, the whole thing is a waste of time. I can't deny when [the criticism] is as personal as it has been, on a human level it's difficult but we're fighting and we're not going to stop fighting."[118]

In the semi-final against the Netherlands, Xavi Simons scored after seven minutes to put the Dutch team ahead, while Harry Kane scored a penalty equaliser after being fouled by Denzel Dumfries; substitute Ollie Watkins scored a late winner for England.[119] England lost the final 2–1 to Spain after a late winner from Mikel Oyarzabal.[120] After the game, Southgate did not answer if he would renew his contract, set to expire in December.[121] Former England captain Alan Shearer said that Southgate could leave "with his head held high", having improved England's results since the nadir of elimination by Iceland at UEFA Euro 2016, but that he "wasn't quite able to get the best out of this team in Germany, and that was the difference between us reaching another final and winning one".[122]

Two days after the final, Southgate resigned as England manager.[123] In a statement, Southgate said: "As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it's time for change, and for a new chapter".[123] He managed 102 games in total for England.[123]

Other roles

[edit]

In 2003, Southgate and his close friend Andy Woodman co-wrote Woody & Nord: A Football Friendship. This book describes an enduring friendship forged in the Crystal Palace youth team that has survived Southgate and Woodman's wildly differing fortunes in the professional game. The book won the Sports Book of the Year award for 2004 from the National Sporting Club (now the British Sports Book Awards).[124][125] He wrote a further book, Anything Is Possible: Be Brave, Be Kind & Follow Your Dreams, published in November 2020.[126][127]

Southgate was also a co-commentator for ITV Sport at the 2006 World Cup, covering group games alongside Clive Tyldesley.[128] Due to commitments of managing Middlesbrough, he attended for only the first two weeks of the four-week tournament.[129] He resumed a role as pundit and co-commentator after he finished his tenure at Middlesbrough in 2010, working on FA Cup and UEFA Champions League matches for ITV as well as acting as a pundit on England games.[130][131]

In January 2011, Southgate was appointed as the FA's head of elite development, to work with Trevor Brooking.[132] He left the post in July 2012, and ruled himself out of consideration for the role of technical director,[133] for which he had been a leading candidate.[134]

Southgate is an Ambassador for The Prince's Trust[135] and Patron of Help for Heroes.[136]

After stepping down as England manager, Southgate was appointed a visiting lecturer at Harvard Business School.[137] His third book, Dear England: Lessons on Leadership, will be published in October 2025.[137]

Style of management

[edit]

Southgate's style of management whilst in charge of England has been described as embodying principles of "empowering coaching" and elements of "transformational leadership".[138] He has been praised for his man management[139] and for creating a "cohesive, positive culture" within the England squad.[140] He is also credited for the promotion of players from England's youth squads into the senior international team.[141][142][143]

As England manager, Southgate has often adapted the team's formation depending on the opposition, using the 4–3–3, 4–2–3–1, 3–4–3 and 3–5–2 formations.[143][144][145] The formation used at the 2018 World Cup has been described as both a 3–5–2 and, alternatively, a "unique 3–3–2–2".[146]

Southgate has been criticised for his team's perceived "pragmatic" and "conservative" style of play,[147][148] as well as for his in-game management.[149][150] He has also been criticised for selecting out of form players, with some commentators accusing him of "favouritism".[151][152]

Personal life

[edit]

Southgate married Alison Bird in July 1997[4] at St Nicholas Church in Worth; the couple have two children.[153] Southgate and his family have resided in the spa town of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, since the early 2000s, owning many homes in and around the town, including a grand Victorian townhouse on the Duchy Estate, before settling in a £3.75 million country house 8 miles from the town centre.[154][155]

Southgate was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 New Year Honours for services to football.[156]

On 13 November 2019, Southgate was named an Honorary Yorkshireman by Welcome to Yorkshire. The honour is given to 'inspirational individuals who have made a big impact on Yorkshire, despite being born outside the county lines'.[157]

In April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Southgate agreed to take a 30% salary cut.[158]

In December 2024, Southgate was appointed Knight Bachelor in the 2025 New Year Honours.

[edit]

Beginning with the 2018 World Cup, England supporters adapted the chorus of the 2001 hit single "Whole Again" by English pop girl group Atomic Kitten as a chant for Southgate.[159] The song had previously been adapted by Celtic fans earlier in the 2017–18 season in honour of defender Mikael Lustig.[160]

Looking back on when we first met
I cannot escape and I cannot forget
Southgate, you're the one – you still turn me on
"Football's coming home again"

During the World Cup before England's quarter-final against Sweden, Atomic Kitten member Natasha Hamilton shared a video of herself on Twitter singing the alternate lyrics.[161] On 3 July 2021, Hamilton and fellow member Liz McClarnon then returned to perform the song with reworked lyrics including the existing alternate ones before chanting England fans at a watch party at Boxpark Croydon for the Euro 2020 quarter-final against Ukraine.[162][163] On 6 July 2021, the day before England's semi-final against Denmark, the group released an official full-length version of the adapted song called "Southgate You're The One (Football's Coming Home Again)" via Columbia Records UK.[164] Member Jenny Frost rejoined the band for the first time since 2008 for the remix/re-recording.[165]

In 2023, Dear England, a play about Southgate, appeared in London's National Theatre. Written by James Graham, Joseph Fiennes appears as Southgate.[166]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[167]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Crystal Palace 1990–91 First Division 1 0 0 0 1 0 – 1[a] 0 3 0
1991–92 First Division 30 0 0 0 6 0 – 3[a] 0 39 0
1992–93 Premier League 33 3 0 0 6 2 – – 39 5
1993–94 First Division 46 9 1 0 4 3 2[b] 0 – 53 12
1994–95 Premier League 42 3 8 0 7 2 – – 57 5
Total 152 15 9 0 24 7 2 0 4 0 191 22
Aston Villa 1995–96 Premier League 31 1 4 0 8 1 – – 43 2
1996–97 Premier League 28 1 3 0 1 0 2[c] 0 – 34 1
1997–98 Premier League 32 0 3 0 1 0 7[c] 0 – 43 0
1998–99 Premier League 38 1 2 0 0 0 4[c] 0 – 44 2
1999–2000 Premier League 31 2 6 1 6 0 – – 43 3
2000–01 Premier League 31 2 2 0 1 0 2[d] 0 – 36 2
Total 191 7 20 1 17 1 15 0 – 243 8
Middlesbrough 2001–02 Premier League 37 1 6 0 1 0 – – 44 1
2002–03 Premier League 36 2 1 0 0 0 – – 37 2
2003–04 Premier League 27 1 1 0 6 0 – – 34 1
2004–05 Premier League 36 0 1 0 0 0 10[c] 0 – 47 0
2005–06 Premier League 24 0 7 0 2 0 9[c] 0 – 42 0
Total 160 4 16 0 9 0 19 0 – 204 4
Career total 503 26 45 1 50 8 36 0 4 0 638 35
  1. ^ a b Appearances in Full Members' Cup
  2. ^ Appearances in Anglo-Italian Cup
  3. ^ a b c d e Appearances in UEFA Cup
  4. ^ Appearances in UEFA Intertoto Cup

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[168]
National team Year Apps Goals
England 1995 1 0
1996 11 0
1997 10 0
1998 8 1
1999 3 0
2000 8 0
2001 3 0
2002 7 0
2003 4 1
2004 2 0
Total 57 2
Scores and results list England's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Southgate goal[19]
List of international goals scored by Gareth Southgate
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 14 October 1998 Stade Josy Barthel, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg  Luxembourg 3–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
2 22 May 2003 Kings Park Stadium, Durban, South Africa  South Africa 1–0 2–1 Friendly

Managerial

[edit]
As of match played 14 July 2024
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref.
P W D L Win %
Middlesbrough 7 June 2006 21 October 2009 151 45 43 63 029.80 [61][169]
England U21 22 August 2013 27 September 2016 37 21 4 12 056.76 [169][170][171]
England 27 September 2016 16 July 2024 102 61 24 17 059.80 [71][169]
Total 290 127 71 92 043.79

Honours

[edit]

Player

[edit]

Crystal Palace

Aston Villa

Middlesbrough

England[177]

Individual

Manager

[edit]

England U21

England

Individual

State

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gareth Southgate

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Sir Gareth Southgate (born 3 September 1970) is an English former professional footballer and manager, renowned for his tenure as head coach of the England men's national football team from 2016 to 2024.[1] As a player, he appeared as a defender and midfielder for Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Middlesbrough, winning two League Cups and earning 57 caps for England with two goals between 1995 and 2004.[2] His managerial career included leading Middlesbrough and England's under-21 side before taking charge of the senior team, where he oversaw 102 matches and guided them to major tournament successes including the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, the UEFA Euro 2020 final, the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, and the UEFA Euro 2024 final.[3] Southgate resigned in July 2024 following the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, and in 2025 he was knighted by Prince William for services to association football.[4][5] Southgate began his professional playing career at Crystal Palace in 1989, where he made over 150 appearances and captained the side to the First Division title in the 1993–94 season.[6] He transferred to Aston Villa in 1995 for a then-club record fee of £2.5 million, contributing to their 1996 League Cup victory and making 199 league appearances before joining Middlesbrough in 2001.[7][8] At Middlesbrough, he served as club captain and helped secure the 2004 League Cup, his second such triumph, while amassing 215 appearances until retiring in 2006.[9] Internationally, Southgate debuted for England against Portugal in December 1995 and featured in key tournaments such as the UEFA Euro 1996 semi-finals, the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups, and UEFA Euro 2000, known for his composed defending and tactical intelligence.[2] Transitioning to management, Southgate took over as Middlesbrough's player-manager in 2006, guiding the team to the UEFA Cup final in 2006–07 before departing in 2009 amid relegation. He then joined the Football Association as head of elite player development in 2011, focusing on youth pathways, before being appointed manager of the England under-21 team in 2013.[6] Under his leadership, the young Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship and won the 2016 Toulon Tournament, showcasing his ability to nurture talent.[6] Southgate's appointment as interim England senior manager in September 2016, following Sam Allardyce's resignation, became permanent in November after successful World Cup qualification.[10] His pragmatic style emphasized team unity and penalty shootout preparation, transforming England's fortunes from previous tournament underperformances.[11] Key highlights included reaching the 2018 World Cup semi-finals—their best finish since 1990—and the Euro 2020 final, where they fell to Italy on penalties at Wembley.[12] In 2022, England advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar, and despite a challenging Euro 2024 campaign marked by narrow victories, they again reached the final, only to lose 2–1 to Spain.[11] After eight years and numerous records, including the most matches managed for England, Southgate stepped down on 16 July 2024, stating it was "time for a change" to allow a new era ahead of the 2026 World Cup.[4] His contributions were recognized in the 2025 King's New Year Honours List, where he was awarded a knighthood for services to football, with the ceremony held at Windsor Castle on 25 June 2025.[5] As of 2025, Southgate serves as a UEFA technical observer and has focused on leadership publications and speaking engagements.[13]

Early life

Childhood and family

Gareth Southgate was born on 3 September 1970 in Watford, Hertfordshire, to parents Clive and Barbara Southgate.[14][15] His father, Clive, worked as a plant manager at IBM after earlier roles in construction, while his mother, Barbara, worked as a clerical worker at Johnson Matthey and later as a dinner lady, focusing on family life.[16][17] The Southgates came from a middle-class background with working-class roots, providing a stable environment that emphasized discipline, fair play, and the value of education alongside encouragement for sporting pursuits.[14][15][16] There was no prominent footballing heritage in the family—Clive had been a javelin thrower, Barbara a hurdler, and their grandfathers influenced values of resilience—but they supported Gareth's early passion for sports.[16] He had one younger sister, Michelle, born in 1976, contributing to a close-knit family dynamic shaped by frequent relocations due to Clive's job in construction and later with IBM, from Watford to northern England and eventually settling in Crawley, West Sussex.[16][18] Southgate's early interest in football was sparked by local teams, including Watford FC, and he joined school teams at the age of seven, playing in defense and developing a deep commitment to the sport through street and park games.[16][19] This enthusiasm persisted despite family moves, leading him to begin formal education at local schools in Watford before transitioning to institutions in Hampshire and Sussex.[18]

Education

Southgate was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, but his family relocated to Cowplain, Hampshire, shortly after, where he attended Padnell Infant School.[20] The family later moved to Crawley, West Sussex, and he continued his primary education at Pound Hill Junior School, where classmates recalled him as the class's best footballer and a kind, well-mannered student who always wore his tie properly.[21] His family provided support in balancing academic commitments with early sporting interests, fostering a disciplined approach from a young age.[22] For secondary education, Southgate attended Hazelwick School in Crawley, a comprehensive school where he developed both academically and athletically from around age 11 to 16.[23] He left with eight O-Levels, achieving grades between A and C, which reflected solid academic performance, though he could have pursued A-Levels but chose to prioritize his burgeoning football career.[24] A former deputy head noted his potential for further studies, while a geography teacher described the teenage Southgate as "thoughtful and able," highlighting early leadership attributes that would later shape his professional ethos.[25] At Hazelwick, Southgate balanced schoolwork with extracurricular sports, playing on the school football team and crediting the institution as fundamental to his development in the game.[23] He also excelled in athletics, becoming the county triple jump champion and holding the school's record for years, alongside being one of the district's top 200-meter sprinters.[26] These pursuits, guided by teachers who emphasized resilience and teamwork, instilled a sense of discipline that intersected with his academic routine and informed the structured mindset evident in his later coaching and managerial career.[25] Following school, he enrolled at Croydon College from 1987 to 1989, completing a City & Guilds certificate in Recreation and Leisure Industries with a focus on football coaching, opting against university to advance his professional playing opportunities.[27]

Club career

Crystal Palace

Southgate joined the Crystal Palace youth academy in 1984 at the age of 14, having been inspired by local football in his hometown of Watford. He progressed through the ranks as an apprentice before signing his first professional contract in 1988. During his early years, he developed versatility across midfield and defensive roles under youth coach Alan Smith, who noted Southgate's initial need to toughen up in the competitive environment but praised his subsequent growth into a reliable performer. Southgate made his senior debut for Crystal Palace on 2 October 1990, coming on as a substitute in an 8–0 League Cup victory over Southend United. His league debut followed on 23 April 1991 in a 3–0 defeat to Liverpool. By the 1992–93 season, he had established himself as a central defender, featuring regularly in the First Division and contributing to a solid defensive record that helped the team finish 10th. Over his Palace career, he made 167 appearances across all competitions, scoring 16 goals and showcasing composure on the ball and leadership qualities that saw him appointed club captain in 1993 at age 22.[28] A pivotal moment came in the 1993–94 season, when Southgate captained Crystal Palace to promotion to the Premier League as First Division champions, with the team securing the title via a 3–2 win at Middlesbrough on the final day. The following year, despite standout defensive performances—including key tackles and interceptions during a tense relegation battle—Palace were relegated after finishing 19th, with Southgate playing every minute of the campaign. Following Palace's relegation, Southgate transferred to Aston Villa in July 1995 for a fee of £2.5 million, marking the end of his formative professional spell at Selhurst Park.

Aston Villa

Southgate joined Aston Villa from Crystal Palace in July 1995 for a transfer fee of £2.5 million, transitioning to an established Premier League club where his defensive experience from Palace proved immediately valuable. He became an instant starter in central defense alongside players like Paul McGrath and Ugo Ehiogu, making his debut on 19 August 1995 in a 3–1 home win over Manchester United.[28] During the 1995–96 season, Southgate featured in 31 Premier League appearances as Villa finished fourth, securing UEFA Cup qualification and establishing him as a key part of Brian Little's solid backline. His composure under pressure and precise passing from the back were frequently highlighted by observers, contributing to the team's defensive resilience against top opposition, including strong showings in matches against Manchester United and other title challengers. That year, he also played a pivotal role in Villa's successful League Cup campaign, featuring in the final and helping secure a 3–0 victory over Leeds United at Wembley to lift the trophy. Over the next five seasons, Southgate solidified his status as a reliable leader, serving as club captain and making 191 total Premier League appearances for Villa while scoring 7 goals. Across all competitions, he amassed 240 appearances and 9 goals, including reaching the 2000 FA Cup final, though Villa lost 1–0 to Chelsea. By 2001, seeking a new challenge amid frustrations with the club's ambitions under manager John Gregory, Southgate submitted a transfer request and departed for Middlesbrough in July for £6.5 million after limited starts in his final season.[29][30]

Middlesbrough

Southgate transferred to Middlesbrough from Aston Villa on 11 July 2001 for a fee of £6.5 million, becoming the first signing under new manager Steve McClaren. He quickly established himself as a key defender and was appointed club captain, providing leadership and stability to a team that had recently returned to the Premier League.[30] During his playing tenure from 2001 to 2006, Southgate made 204 appearances across all competitions, scoring 4 goals. He played a crucial role in Middlesbrough's 2004 League Cup triumph, captaining the side in the 2–1 victory over Bolton Wanderers at the Millennium Stadium—his second League Cup win as a player. The following seasons saw further success, including guiding the team to the 2006 UEFA Cup final, where they lost 4–0 to Sevilla despite a remarkable run that included victories over Basel, Steaua București, and Villarreal. Southgate's composed defending and tactical awareness were instrumental in achieving Middlesbrough's first major European final. He continued playing into the 2006–07 season before retiring at the end of it to focus on management.[29]

International playing career

Youth international

Southgate progressed through the England youth international ranks, with his performances at Crystal Palace supporting his call-ups and showcasing a composed defensive presence.[31] He advanced to the under-21 level, where he demonstrated leadership in organizing the backline during matches. Southgate's maturity was frequently praised by coaches, who noted his ability to read the game and communicate effectively with teammates.[32] Consistent performances at the under-21 level paved the way for his senior international debut in 1995.[33]

Senior international

Southgate made his senior international debut for England on 12 December 1995, coming on as a substitute in a 1–1 friendly draw against Portugal at Wembley Stadium.[34] Over the course of his international career, he earned 57 caps and scored two goals, primarily operating as a central defender known for his composure and organizational skills in the backline.[2] His contributions helped solidify England's defensive structure during a period of transition, with Southgate often partnering with players like Tony Adams and Rio Ferdinand to provide stability.[28] Southgate's most prominent moment came during UEFA Euro 1996, hosted by England, where he featured in all five matches as the team advanced to the semi-finals for the first time since 1968.[35] In the semi-final against Germany on 26 June 1996 at Wembley, England drew 1–1 after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout; Southgate took the fifth kick for England but saw his effort saved by Andreas Köpke, resulting in a 6–5 defeat and elimination. The miss became a defining and widely scrutinized media moment in English football history, later parodied in advertisements and symbolizing national penalty woes at the time.[36] Southgate was included in the squad for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, where he made two appearances: as a substitute in the 2–0 group stage win over Tunisia and as a starter in the 2–2 draw against Argentina in the round of 16, which England lost on penalties. England were eliminated in the knockout stage. He continued to represent England in subsequent tournaments, though with diminishing playing time. At UEFA Euro 2000 in Belgium and the Netherlands, he was selected for the squad but did not feature in any matches as England exited at the group stage.[37] He was included in the squad for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan, where England reached the quarter-finals, but did not make any appearances amid competition from defenders like Sol Campbell and Ledley King.[32] For UEFA Euro 2004 in Portugal, Southgate was named on standby but did not feature in the main squad, with England again reaching the quarter-finals.[38] Southgate announced his retirement from international football in 2004 at the age of 33, following his final appearance as a substitute in a 1–0 friendly loss to Sweden on 31 March; he cited a desire to concentrate fully on his club commitments with Middlesbrough.[2] Throughout his senior career, his defensive reliability and leadership—honed during his club captaincy at Aston Villa—provided England with a dependable presence, even as injuries and squad depth limited his later opportunities.[28]

Managerial career

Middlesbrough

Gareth Southgate was appointed as Middlesbrough's player-manager on 7 June 2006, succeeding Steve McClaren following the latter's move to manage the England national team.[39] At the age of 35 and lacking the UEFA Pro Licence at the time, Southgate transitioned from his role as club captain—where he had led Middlesbrough to the 2004 League Cup victory and the 2006 UEFA Cup final—into management, initially balancing playing duties with coaching responsibilities.[40] He retired from playing at the end of the 2006–07 season to become the full-time manager, a move that allowed him to focus on implementing a structured approach emphasizing defensive organization and the integration of young talents from the academy. In his debut season of 2006–07, Southgate guided Middlesbrough to a 12th-place finish in the Premier League with 46 points from 38 matches, securing mid-table stability after a challenging start that included a 7–0 home defeat to Arsenal.[41] The team also progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, defeating Championship side Charlton Athletic and League One's Northampton Town before a 2–2 draw and 1–0 replay loss to Manchester United. The following 2007–08 campaign saw further consolidation, with Middlesbrough ending 13th in the Premier League on 42 points, highlighted by a memorable 8–1 victory over Manchester City on the final day. In domestic cups, they reached the quarter-finals of the League Cup, eliminating Northampton Town and Bolton Wanderers before falling 2–0 to Tottenham Hotspur, while exiting the FA Cup in the fifth round to West Ham United.[42] The 2008–09 season proved more turbulent, as Middlesbrough were relegated from the Premier League after finishing 19th with just 32 points, winning only seven of their 38 league games amid a run of one victory in their final 20 matches.[43] Southgate's emphasis on youth development shone through, with academy graduates like David Wheater and Lee Cattermole becoming key first-team contributors, helping to build a resilient squad despite the drop.[40] In the Championship the following year, Middlesbrough started promisingly, sitting fourth after 11 games, but a 5–0 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion on 3 October 2009 prompted the board to dismiss Southgate just three days later.[44] Over his 151 matches in charge, Southgate recorded 45 wins, 43 draws, and 63 losses, yielding a win percentage of 29.8 percent.[45]

England under-21s

Gareth Southgate was appointed head coach of the England under-21 team on 22 August 2013, succeeding Stuart Pearce on a three-year contract, following his dismissal from Middlesbrough four years earlier.[46][47] In this role, Southgate emphasized player development within the Football Association's elite youth structure, drawing on his prior experience as the FA's head of elite development since 2011 to foster a pathway from youth to senior levels.[48] Under Southgate's leadership, the team achieved an unbeaten record in qualifying for the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, securing qualification with ten matches that included just two goals conceded and 31 scored.[49] At the tournament in the Czech Republic, England lost 0–1 to Portugal, won 1–0 against Sweden, and lost 1–3 to Italy, finishing third in their group behind Portugal and Italy and eliminated from the tournament.[50][51][52] Southgate also guided the side to an unbeaten start in the early matches of the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign before his departure.[53] Southgate's tenure focused on nurturing emerging talents, with several players making significant strides under his guidance, including forwards Harry Kane and Saido Berahino, defender John Stones, and midfielders Ross Barkley and Jesse Lingard, many of whom transitioned to the senior England squad.[54] Over 33 matches from 2013 to 2016, he recorded 27 wins, three draws, and three losses, achieving a win rate of approximately 82 percent.[55] In September 2016, following Sam Allardyce's resignation as senior team manager, Southgate was appointed interim head coach of the England senior side, marking his transition from the under-21 role and eventual confirmation as permanent manager two months later.[48]

England senior team early tenure

Following his successful tenure as England Under-21 manager, where he guided the team through qualifying for the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship but exited in the group stage, Gareth Southgate joined the Football Association's senior setup in a transitional capacity under Roy Hodgson in 2013, contributing to youth integration efforts ahead of major tournaments.[48] This role positioned him within the broader England framework as Hodgson prepared for UEFA Euro 2016. However, Hodgson's resignation after England's shock last-16 exit to Iceland in June 2016 created instability, compounded by Sam Allardyce's brief and controversial stint as successor, which ended after just one match due to a media scandal.[56] Southgate was appointed interim senior team manager on 27 September 2016, tasked with overseeing the remaining 2016 fixtures during the search for a permanent replacement.[57] In his four games in charge, he recorded two wins and two draws, including a 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Malta on 8 October 2016, a 0-0 draw with Slovenia, a 3-0 win against Scotland, and a 2-2 friendly draw versus Spain.[58] These results maintained England's position at the top of their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying group, demonstrating stability amid the post-Euro turmoil.[59] On 30 November 2016, Southgate was confirmed as permanent manager on a four-year contract worth approximately £2 million annually, covering the 2018 World Cup and UEFA Euro 2020 campaigns.[56] His early priorities included refreshing the squad by promoting young talents from his Under-21 experience, such as Dele Alli and Harry Kane, to rebuild team dynamics fractured by the Euro 2016 penalty shootout loss to Iceland and subsequent leadership vacuum.[48] Under Southgate, England completed their 2018 World Cup qualification unbeaten, topping Group F with seven wins and a draw across eight matches, securing automatic qualification. Southgate's initial period was marked by intense media scrutiny and efforts to restore morale in a squad haunted by the Euro 2016 disappointments, where player confidence had plummeted and public expectations weighed heavily.[60] He emphasized open communication and player input to foster unity, addressing the "toxic" atmosphere inherited from prior regimes.[61] Despite the pressure, his measured approach during qualification helped stabilize the team, setting the stage for the 2018 tournament.[62]

2018 FIFA World Cup

England entered the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Group G alongside Belgium, Panama, and Tunisia. On 18 June, they secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tunisia at the Volgograd Arena, with Harry Kane scoring both goals, including a dramatic stoppage-time penalty that proved decisive after Tunisia had equalized.[63] Four days later, on 24 June in Nizhny Novgorod, England delivered a commanding 6–1 win against Panama, their most emphatic World Cup group stage result, highlighted by Kane's hat-trick and goals from John Stones (two) and Jesse Lingard.[64] These results positioned England atop the group entering the final match, but a 0–1 defeat to Belgium on 28 June in Kaliningrad—marked by Adnan Januzaj's curling opener—saw them finish second with six points and a +5 goal difference, still qualifying for the knockout rounds behind Belgium's superior tally.[65] In the round of 16 on 3 July at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, England faced Colombia in a tense encounter that ended 1–1 after extra time, with Kane opening the scoring from the penalty spot before Yerry Mina equalized late. The match proceeded to penalties, where England triumphed 4–3, with Eric Dier converting the decisive kick; this marked their first-ever World Cup shootout win, attributed to Southgate's extensive preparation that included psychological coaching and practice sessions dating back to March to address the team's historical penalty traumas.[66][67] Advancing to the quarter-finals, England met Sweden on 7 July in Samara and prevailed 2–0, relying on set-piece prowess as Harry Maguire headed in from a Kieran Trippier corner and Dele Alli nodded in a second-half rebound, securing their place in the semi-finals for the first time since 1990.[68] The semi-final against Croatia on 11 July at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow began promisingly for England, who took a fourth-minute lead through Trippier's free kick, but Croatia fought back with Ivan Perišić's 68th-minute equalizer and Mario Mandžukić's 109th-minute winner in extra time, resulting in a 2–1 defeat that ended England's campaign.[69] Southgate's tactical decisions throughout the tournament, including his preference for a back-three formation and emphasis on set pieces, contributed to four of England's seven goals coming from dead-ball situations. Notably, his choice of attire—a navy Marks & Spencer waistcoat paired with a tracksuit—became an unexpected cultural icon, symbolizing his calm demeanor and boosting public engagement with the team.[70] Kane's clinical finishing made him the tournament's leading scorer with six goals, earning him the Golden Boot award.[71] Following the tournament, Southgate received widespread acclaim for exceeding expectations by leading England to fourth place—their best finish at a World Cup since 1990—and fostering a more unified, resilient squad dynamic.[72] In recognition of this overachievement, the Football Association extended his contract as manager until after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in November 2018.[73]

UEFA Euro 2020

Under Gareth Southgate's management, England qualified for the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 by topping qualifying Group A, securing 21 points from eight matches with seven victories and one defeat to the Czech Republic, while scoring a campaign-high 37 goals.[74][75] The tournament, postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw England as hosts for the semi-finals and final at Wembley Stadium. In the group stage (Group D), Southgate's side finished top unbeaten, earning five points from a 1–0 victory over Croatia (Raheem Sterling), a 0–0 draw with Scotland, and a 1–0 win against the Czech Republic (Sterling again).[76] England's knockout path showcased tactical discipline and clinical finishing. In the round of 16 at Wembley, they defeated Germany 2–0 with goals from Sterling and Harry Kane, marking a historic revenge for the 1990 and 1996 defeats. The quarter-finals in Rome brought a 4–0 rout of Ukraine, featuring two goals from Kane, plus strikes from Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson. Advancing to the semi-final back at Wembley, England overcame Denmark 2–1 after extra time, with Kane equalizing a penalty before Bukayo Saka's winner, securing their place in the final. On 11 July 2021, however, they fell to Italy 1–1 after extra time (Luke Shaw's early thunderbolt matched by Leonardo Bonucci), losing 3–2 in the penalty shootout despite preparations honed since the 2018 World Cup.[76][77] The campaign was not without controversies, particularly around social issues and fan conduct. Southgate's decision to have players take the knee before kick-offs in solidarity with Black Lives Matter drew boos from sections of the Wembley crowd, prompting the manager to stress the squad's unity and dismiss the jeers as misguided. Fan behavior escalated at the final, with unauthorized supporters attempting to breach security and causing disorder outside the stadium, leading to UEFA sanctions against the FA. Post-match, racist abuse targeted penalty missers Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Saka on social media, which Southgate condemned as "unforgivable" while praising the players' resilience.[78][79][80] Southgate's leadership delivered England's first appearance in a major men's final since the 1966 World Cup victory, surpassing the 1996 Euro semi-final and 2018 World Cup achievements. The run elevated his overall win rate with England to approximately 65 percent across 58 matches, reflecting sustained progress in international competition.[81]

2022 FIFA World Cup

England qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup by topping UEFA Group I with eight wins and two draws, scoring 39 goals and conceding just three, securing their place early with a 10–0 victory over San Marino in November 2021.[82] Under Southgate, Harry Kane led the scoring with 12 goals during qualification.[82] This strong campaign prompted the Football Association to extend Southgate's contract through to December 2024, encompassing both the World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024.[83] In the tournament held in Qatar, England were drawn in Group B alongside the United States, Iran, and Wales, finishing first with seven points from two wins and a draw. They began with a dominant 6–2 victory over Iran on 21 November, highlighted by a brace from Bukayo Saka on his World Cup debut and goals from Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, and Jack Grealish.[84] A 0–0 draw against the United States followed on 25 November, where England's attack struggled to break through despite possession dominance.[84] They secured advancement with a 3–0 win over Wales on 29 November, powered by another Rashford brace and a Phil Foden strike.[84] Southgate's young squad, featuring talents like 19-year-old Bellingham and 21-year-old Saka, displayed attacking flair, scoring 13 goals across five matches—England's highest tally in a single World Cup edition. England advanced to the round of 16, defeating Senegal 3–0 on 4 December with goals from Jordan Henderson, Kane, and Saka, marking their biggest knockout win since 2002.[84] Their campaign ended in the quarter-finals with a 2–1 loss to France on 10 December, where Aurelien Tchouameni and Olivier Giroud scored for the eventual finalists, despite Kane's penalty equaliser; Kane later missed a second penalty in the 84th minute.[84] The defeat exposed defensive lapses, particularly in conceding early from a long-range shot and failing to hold the lead against France's counterattacks.[85] Similar vulnerabilities were noted in the group-stage draw with the United States, where Southgate faced criticism for a cautious approach that limited attacking transitions.[86]

UEFA Euro 2024 and resignation

England qualified for UEFA Euro 2024 unbeaten, topping Group C in the qualifying phase with six wins and two draws, securing their place with a 3–1 victory over Italy in October 2023.[87] The tournament, hosted in Germany from 14 June to 14 July 2024, placed England in Group C alongside Serbia, Slovenia, and Denmark. In the group stage, England produced narrow results, starting with a 1–0 win over Serbia on 16 June, followed by a 1–1 draw against Denmark on 20 June, and concluding with a goalless draw versus Slovenia on 25 June, which ensured they topped the group despite criticism of their performances.[88][89] England's knockout campaign began with a dramatic 2–1 extra-time victory over Slovakia in the round of 16 on 30 June, thanks to goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. They progressed in the quarter-finals against Switzerland on 6 July, drawing 1–1 before winning 5–3 on penalties after a tense match. In the semi-final on 10 July, England defeated the Netherlands 2–1 with late goals from Ollie Watkins securing their place in the final. However, on 14 July at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Spain won 2–1 in the final, with Mikel Oyarzabal's 86th-minute goal proving decisive despite Cole Palmer's earlier equalizer for England.[90] Two days later, on 16 July 2024, Southgate announced his resignation as England manager after nearly eight years in charge, having overseen 102 matches with 61 wins, 24 draws, and 17 losses—a win percentage of 59.8%.[11][3] In his statement, he expressed that it was "time for a change" and emphasized the need for a "new chapter" to allow both himself and the team to move forward.[91] Southgate's tenure transformed England's international standing, guiding them to two major tournament finals—Euro 2020 and Euro 2024—within four appearances, alongside a 2018 World Cup semi-final, fostering a more resilient team culture and ending decades of underperformance in knockouts.[92][93]

Post-management career

Football Association roles

Following his resignation as England manager in July 2024, Gareth Southgate did not take on any formal executive or advisory positions within the Football Association (FA). His extensive prior experience with the FA, including leading youth development initiatives from 2011 to 2013, continued to inform broader discussions on English football strategy, though without an official capacity.[11][94] Southgate's post-management focus shifted away from direct FA involvement, with no reported contributions to coach education, national team transitions, or long-term planning such as youth pathways by late 2025.[95] Instead, he pursued external opportunities, including his appointment as a UEFA technical observer for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 Champions League seasons, where he analyzes matches and provides reports on tactical and developmental aspects.[96][97] By early 2025, Southgate had fully transitioned to non-FA pursuits, emphasizing leadership speaking engagements and publications over organizational roles in English football governance.[98]

Speaking engagements and publications

Following his resignation from the England national team in July 2024, Gareth Southgate has emerged as a prominent figure in public speaking, focusing on themes of leadership, resilience, and high performance in sports and beyond. On 19 March 2025, he delivered the Richard Dimbleby Lecture on BBC One and iPlayer, reflecting on his career and addressing societal issues such as the need for positive role models for young people, the influence of toxic online culture, and strategies for building unity and belief in teams and communities.[99][100] In October 2025, he delivered a keynote address at the 11th Aspire Academy Global Summit in Philadelphia, United States, where he discussed coach development and the importance of fostering talent in football, sharing the stage with former managers Rafael Benítez and Alessandro Nesta.[101][102] Southgate's media appearances have provided platforms for personal reflection on his career. On 5 November 2025, he appeared on ITV's This Morning, where he opened up about the highs and heartbreaks of managing England, the intense pressures of the role, and the need for better role models for young boys in society.[103][104] In the literary realm, Southgate announced a forthcoming book titled Dear England: Lessons in Leadership in February 2025, set for publication in late 2025 by Penguin Books. The work draws on his experiences to explore principles of leadership, mental resilience, and team-building applicable beyond football, with an emphasis on integrity, empathy, and accountability.[105][106] Parallel to these engagements, Southgate has pursued business interests centered on leadership consulting and advisory services for organizations in sports and corporate sectors. As of November 2025, he has no plans to return to football management, instead prioritizing these ventures to share insights on culture, performance, and motivation.[107][95]

Coaching philosophy

Tactical style

Gareth Southgate's tactical approach has consistently emphasized structured formations that prioritize defensive solidity and efficient transitions, often favoring a 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2 setup to create a compact defensive block while enabling quick counter-attacks. This system deploys three central defenders to maintain numerical superiority at the back, with wing-backs providing width and support in both phases of play, allowing the team to absorb pressure before exploiting spaces on the break.[61][108] In later iterations, he incorporated a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 to enhance midfield control, particularly when facing possession-dominant opponents, blending pragmatism with fluidity.[109][85] Defensively, Southgate's setups focus on a high press during the opponent's build-up to disrupt rhythm early, transitioning to a mid-block that funnels play wide and employs zonal marking to cover zones rather than strict man-marking. This approach draws from Italian tactical principles of organization and discipline, which Southgate has publicly admired as the benchmark for defensive cohesion, influenced by his observations of Serie A sides during his Middlesbrough tenure.[110][61] At Middlesbrough, he implemented a pragmatic, high-tempo pressing system with midfielders advancing to harass opponents, sacrificing some defensive depth for aggressive disruption.[111] In-game adaptations under Southgate highlight flexibility, particularly with wing-backs who alternate between offensive overlaps and conservative tracking based on the scoreline and opponent threats, as seen in tournament scenarios. He relies on data-driven substitutions to inject energy or shift momentum, often introducing fresh legs in wide areas to maintain counter-attacking threat without overhauling the structure.[109][108] For instance, during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, this allowed England to execute a disciplined 3-5-2 that progressed to the semi-finals through resilient counters.[61] Southgate's tactics evolved from the more reactive, containment-oriented pragmatism of his Middlesbrough days—where survival in the Premier League demanded tight organization—to a possession-based style in his later England years, incorporating progressive passing from the back and higher possession averages to dominate games.[111] This shift reflects growing confidence in his squad's technical ability, moving toward front-footed play while retaining core defensive principles.[109]

Leadership and player development

Southgate's leadership style emphasized creating psychological safety within the England squad, fostering an environment where players could express vulnerabilities without fear of judgment. This approach, rooted in open communication and mutual trust, allowed for honest discussions on performance and personal challenges, contrasting with previous eras marked by hierarchical distance. By prioritizing two-way dialogue, Southgate built stronger relationships between staff and players, enabling the team to navigate high-pressure situations more effectively.[112][113] A pivotal aspect of his leadership was leveraging his own Euro 1996 penalty miss against Germany to coach the squad on handling shootouts. Drawing from that experience, Southgate implemented rigorous, fatigue-simulated penalty training sessions, focusing on technique, composure, and process ownership rather than relying on volunteers. He encouraged slower run-ups to reduce stress—extending the average from 0.28 seconds in past failures to over one second—and assigned takers based on their ability to manage competition anxiety, transforming penalties from a national phobia into a strength, as evidenced by England's successful shootout against Colombia in the 2018 World Cup.[67] In player development, Southgate promoted inclusivity by integrating Under-21 graduates into the senior setup, such as Harry Kane, whom he had nurtured during his time as U21 coach before seamlessly transitioning him to the full squad. This pathway extended to others like Raheem Sterling and John Stones, emphasizing merit-based selection over reputation. He also championed mental health support, providing resources for emotional well-being and encouraging players to address performance anxiety openly, which helped sustain motivation amid intense scrutiny.[114][115][116] Central to Southgate's principles was resilience training through team-building activities that built mental toughness, alongside a shift toward collective responsibility over individual stardom. He axed high-ego veterans from the "golden generation" era, like Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart, to instill humility and group cohesion, fostering a culture where players supported one another rather than relying on star power. This high retention of a core squad—loyalty to figures like Kane and Sterling across multiple tournaments—ensured continuity and deepened interpersonal bonds.[112][117][118] Under Southgate, England evolved from the underachieving "golden generation" of the 2000s—plagued by entitlement and early exits—into consistent semi-finalists and finalists, reaching the 2018 World Cup semis, Euro 2020 final, and Euro 2024 final. This transformation stemmed from his focus on cultural renewal, turning a fragmented group into a resilient, unified unit that outperformed expectations on the global stage.[93][119][120]

Personal life

Family and relationships

Gareth Southgate has been married to Alison Southgate (née Bird) since July 1997. The couple first met in the early stages of his professional football career, and their relationship has been a cornerstone of his personal stability amid the demands of the sport.[121][122] Southgate and Alison have two children: a daughter, Mia, born in 2000, and a son, Flynn, born in 2003. The family resides in a historic Grade I-listed manor house in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, where they have maintained a relatively private life despite Southgate's high-profile role in English football.[123][124][125] Alison has played a pivotal role in supporting Southgate through intense media scrutiny, particularly following his infamous penalty miss at Euro 1996 and during the pressures of managing England at Euro 2020. She has been credited with helping him navigate emotional lows and providing a grounding influence, often managing family life to allow him to focus on his professional responsibilities.[126][127] The Southgates prioritize privacy, with few public photographs of the family and a deliberate effort to shield their children from the media spotlight. Alison maintains a low profile, rarely appearing in the press, which has helped preserve a sense of normalcy for Mia and Flynn amid their father's public career.[128][129]

Philanthropy and interests

Southgate has been a prominent supporter of dementia awareness initiatives through his role with the England national team. In 2024, he led the team in wearing nameless shirts during an international match against Belgium, with the custom kits auctioned to raise funds for Alzheimer's Society research into early diagnosis and treatment. Similar efforts in 2022 and 2021, including auctions attended by Southgate, generated significant proceeds, such as £139,000 from a Sport United Against Dementia event co-hosted with the League Managers Association. These campaigns, organized in partnership with the Football Association (FA), aimed to spotlight dementia symptoms and support affected families, drawing on football's platform to reach wider audiences. He has also championed mental health causes within the sport. Southgate participated in the FA's Heads Up campaign, launched in 2019 with Heads Together, to encourage open conversations about mental well-being among men, using football as a medium to reduce stigma. In 2020, he joined the Mentally Healthy Football Declaration, committing the sport to fostering supportive environments at all levels, and discussed personal challenges in a candid conversation with the Duke of Cambridge as part of the Sound of Support series. These initiatives reflected his emphasis on emotional resilience, extending to players and fans alike. In Yorkshire, where Southgate has resided for over two decades, he serves as an ambassador for Martin House Children's Hospice in Wetherby, supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families. In 2024, he endorsed the hospice's £22 million appeal to expand facilities, describing the organization's work as profoundly impactful during visits and public endorsements. His involvement includes hands-on engagement, such as touring the site in 2025 to meet families, underscoring a commitment to local palliative care. Among his personal interests, Southgate is an avid golfer, having played rounds at clubs like Ilkley Golf Club in 2025 during community events. He maintains a focus on leadership and personal development through reading and writing; his 2023 book Anything is Possible draws on historical and motivational insights to inspire resilience, while his 2025 publication Dear England: Lessons in Leadership explores themes of team-building and societal guidance, informed by his coaching experiences. Following his resignation from the England role in 2024, Southgate has intensified efforts in youth development via charitable organizations. As a Goodwill Ambassador for The King's Trust, he has contributed to expanding programs that build leadership skills and confidence for 18- to 30-year-olds facing barriers, including through advisory roles in curriculum design. In 2025, this extended to public speaking, such as the Richard Dimbleby Lecture, where he addressed youth challenges, and participation in global summits on motivational leadership for young talents.

Legacy

Impact on English football

Gareth Southgate's tenure as England manager marked a profound transformation in the national team's performance, elevating it from a history of early tournament exits to consistent deep runs in major competitions. Under his leadership from 2016 to 2024, England reached the final of UEFA Euro 2020, the semi-final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the quarter-final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the final of UEFA Euro 2024, achievements that surpassed those of all predecessors since Sir Alf Ramsey's 1966 World Cup victory.[130][93] This shift was underpinned by an improved win percentage of 59.8% across 102 matches (61 wins), higher than predecessors like Roy Hodgson (58.9%) and marking the second-best record among England managers.[130] Southgate also drove significant cultural shifts within English football, normalizing success in high-pressure scenarios such as penalty shootouts, where England won three of four under his management after a dismal historical record of just one victory in seven major tournament shootouts.[131] He promoted diversity in squad selection, with the Euro 2024 team featuring 11 players of colour compared to four in 2014, reflecting modern Britain's multicultural fabric and fostering a more inclusive national identity.[93][132] Additionally, Southgate cultivated a relaxed team environment that reduced internal toxicity and improved player-media relations, encouraging expression on the pitch while addressing club-country tensions.[133][93] On a systemic level, Southgate's earlier role as the Football Association's head of elite player development from 2011 influenced key policies, including restrictions on early 11-a-side games until age 13 and the establishment of a unified "England DNA" playing style at St George's Park, which contributed to youth successes like the 2017 Under-17 World Cup win.[94] He advocated for enhanced coach education through initiatives like the 2018 "We Only Do Positive" handbook, which outlined five principles of positive coaching based on research showing 90% better performance among youth players with encouragement, and supported the FA's Respect campaign for player welfare.[134][94] These efforts sowed seeds for long-term improvements in grassroots and elite development.[94] Despite these contributions, Southgate faced criticisms for perceived tactical conservatism, particularly his reliance on defensive setups like 3-5-2 formations and reluctance to make in-game adjustments, which some argued limited England's attacking potential during tournaments.[135][108] Post his resignation in July 2024, debates emerged on his irreplaceability, with analysts noting that his successor inherits a resilient, bonded squad but may struggle to replicate the cultural and institutional stability he built. In recognition of his services to association football, Southgate was knighted in the 2025 New Year Honours and received the honour from Prince William at Windsor Castle on 25 June 2025.[93][61][136]

In popular culture

Gareth Southgate's missed penalty in the Euro 1996 semi-final shootout against Germany has become an enduring symbol in English football culture, frequently revisited in media to highlight the nation's penalty shootout traumas. This moment is prominently featured in the ITV documentary Euro 96: The Summer Football Came Home, which reflects on England's tournament journey and Southgate's personal heartbreak as a pivotal narrative thread.[137] Additionally, the miss inspired a 1996 Pizza Hut advertisement where Southgate humorously confronted his failure by "taking penalties" against pizza slices, turning public mockery into self-deprecating comedy that aired widely in the UK.[138] During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Southgate's signature waistcoat attire transformed him into a fashion icon and meme sensation among fans and media. Supporters photoshopped slogans like "It's Coming Home" onto images of the garment, spawning viral social media trends such as "Waistcoat Wednesday," where people donned similar outfits in solidarity with England's campaign.[139][140] Sky Sports parodied the look in segments, including interviews with Southgate lookalikes who emphasized the waistcoat's role as a "good luck charm," further embedding it in broadcast entertainment.[141] In the years following 2020, Southgate's public image inspired satirical sketches on television, notably on Channel 4's The Last Leg, where hosts created custom waistcoats emblazoned with match predictions and staged comedic "hugs" from a Southgate impersonator to console fans after defeats.[142] These light-hearted depictions contrasted his earlier penalty infamy with a more affable managerial persona, often tying back to his tournament successes as a source of national optimism. Reflections on Southgate's career in 2024 and beyond have permeated podcasts and books exploring English football's cultural lore, with episodes dissecting his penalty miss and waistcoat legacy as folklore staples. For instance, The England B Team Football Podcast and It Was What It Was dedicated segments to his Euro 2024 exit, framing it within broader narratives of redemption and resilience drawn from his playing days.[143]

Career statistics

Club

Southgate's club career spanned three teams, where he primarily played as a defender, contributing to a modest goal tally reflective of his position.[29]
ClubYearsAppearancesGoals
Crystal Palace1990–199515215
Aston Villa1995–20012409
Middlesbrough2001–20062044
Total1990–200659628
These figures encompass all competitive matches across domestic leagues, cups, and European competitions.[29][28]

International

Southgate earned 57 caps for the senior England national team between 1995 and 2004, during which he scored 2 goals. His international debut came on 12 December 1995 in a 1–1 friendly draw against Portugal at Wembley Stadium, where he played the full 90 minutes as a central defender. Over his career, Southgate established himself as a reliable and composed defender, often partnering with players like Tony Adams and Rio Ferdinand, and he captained the side on occasion. His goals arrived in qualifying matches: the first on 14 October 1998 in a 3–0 UEFA Euro 2000 qualifier win over Luxembourg, and the second on 28 March 2001 in a 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Albania. Southgate's final appearance was on 31 March 2004, a 1–0 friendly defeat to Sweden in Leeds. Throughout his senior international tenure, he maintained a clean disciplinary record, receiving no red cards and accumulating only a handful of yellows without any suspensions. Southgate featured in England's major tournament campaigns during the late 1990s and early 2000s, contributing to the team's defensive solidity. Notably, in UEFA Euro 1996 hosted on home soil, he started all five matches as England advanced to the semi-finals for the first time since 1968. His tournament highlight—and a defining moment—was in the semi-final penalty shootout against Germany on 26 June 1996 at Wembley, where he saw his spot-kick saved by Andreas Köpke, leading to England's 6–5 loss after a 1–1 draw. In UEFA Euro 2000, Southgate made one substitute appearance in the group stage. He was included in the 2002 FIFA World Cup squad in South Korea and Japan but remained an unused substitute across all seven matches as England reached the quarter-finals. For UEFA Euro 2004 in Portugal, Southgate was named in the preliminary squad but withdrew due to a knee injury sustained in April 2004 while playing for Middlesbrough, ultimately making no appearances.
TournamentAppearancesGoalsNotes
UEFA Euro 199650Started all matches; missed penalty in semi-final shootout vs. Germany
UEFA Euro 200010Substitute in group stage vs. Romania
FIFA World Cup 200200Squad member; unused substitute
UEFA Euro 200400Selected but withdrew due to injury
At youth international level, Southgate represented England across various age groups, including the under-18 and under-21 teams, where he accumulated approximately 40 caps without scoring any goals. A key early highlight was his participation in the 1991 FIFA World Youth Championship (now U-20) in Portugal, where England exited in the group stage; Southgate featured as a promising defender in the squad alongside future talents like Steve McManaman.

Managerial

Southgate began his managerial career at Middlesbrough in June 2006, following his retirement as a player with the club. He guided the team through three Premier League seasons before their relegation in 2009, after which he was dismissed. His tenure at Middlesbrough marked his transition from player to coach, emphasizing defensive organization and youth integration, though results were mixed amid financial constraints and squad transitions. After a period in football development roles with the Football Association, Southgate took charge of the England under-21 team in August 2013. Over three years, he built a strong record with the young squad, focusing on player development and tactical discipline, which prepared several talents for senior international duty. This role paved the way for his interim and eventual permanent appointment with the senior England team in 2016. Southgate's most prominent managerial spell came with the senior England team from September 2016 to July 2024, where he achieved consistent qualification for major tournaments and reached three successive semi-finals or better. His approach emphasized team cohesion, set-piece execution, and penalty preparation, leading to notable improvements in England's international standing. During this time, England played 102 matches, including appearances in four major tournaments: the 2018 FIFA World Cup (5 matches), UEFA Euro 2020 (7 matches), 2022 FIFA World Cup (5 matches), and UEFA Euro 2024 (7 matches), totaling 24 tournament fixtures.[3] The following table summarizes Southgate's managerial records across his primary roles:
TeamPeriodMatchesWinsDrawsLossesWin Percentage
Middlesbrough2006–200915147416331.1%
England U212013–201633273381.8%
England senior2016–202410261241759.8%
Career Total2006–2024286135688347.2%
Southgate has not managed a club side since 2009, focusing exclusively on international roles thereafter.[3]

Honours

As player

Gareth Southgate won two major trophies during his club career as a player. With Aston Villa, he was part of the team that secured the Football League Cup in the 1995–96 season, defeating Leeds United 3–0 in the final at Wembley Stadium, where he started as a defender.[144] Later, as captain of Middlesbrough, Southgate lifted the Football League Cup in 2004 after a 2–1 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the final, marking the club's first major trophy in 128 years.[145] Southgate also experienced notable near-misses with Middlesbrough in 2006. The team reached both the FA Cup and UEFA Cup finals but lost 2–1 to West Ham United in the FA Cup and 4–0 to Sevilla in the UEFA Cup, with Southgate featuring in both matches as captain.[146] No major honours were achieved during his time at Crystal Palace or with the England national team, where he participated in three major tournaments without winning silverware.[146] On an individual level, Southgate earned the Premier League Player of the Month award for January 2000 while at Aston Villa, recognised for his defensive solidity and leadership in a month where Villa kept clean sheets in key wins.[147] Additionally, he was voted Middlesbrough's Player of the Year for the 2001–02 season by the club's supporters and peers, honouring his pivotal role in the team's defensive organisation during his debut campaign.

As manager

Southgate's tenure as Middlesbrough manager from June 2006 to October 2009 yielded no trophies, though the team reached the quarter-finals of the 2007–08 FA Cup before a 1–0 defeat to Manchester United.[148][149] The club finished 12th and 13th in the Premier League during his first two full seasons, but suffered relegation in 2009 after a poor start to the campaign.[40] As manager of the England under-21 team from 2013 to 2016, Southgate guided the team to victory in the 2016 Toulon Tournament.[150] The side exited in the quarter-finals of the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship following a penalty shootout loss to Germany.[151] His record included 27 wins from 33 matches, focusing on player development rather than silverware.[55] Southgate's most notable achievements came as England senior team manager from September 2016 to July 2024, where he guided the side to several deep tournament runs without securing a major title. In the 2018 FIFA World Cup, England reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1990, advancing past Colombia on penalties before a 2–1 extra-time loss to Croatia. The team then achieved third place in the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League, reaching the semi-finals but falling 3–1 in extra time to the Netherlands, followed by a 6–5 penalty win over Switzerland in the third-place match.[152][153] England finished as runners-up in UEFA Euro 2020 (held in 2021), defeating Germany, Ukraine, and Denmark en route to the final, where they lost to Italy on penalties after a 1–1 draw. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the team progressed to the quarter-finals, eliminating Senegal and Wales before a 2–1 defeat to France. Southgate led England to another Euro final in 2024, overcoming Switzerland in the quarter-finals and the Netherlands in the semi-finals via a 2–1 victory, only to lose 2–1 to Spain in the final.
TournamentAchievementYear
FIFA World CupSemi-finalist2018
UEFA Nations LeagueThird place (semi-finalist)2019
UEFA European ChampionshipRunner-up2020
FIFA World CupQuarter-finalist2022
UEFA European ChampionshipRunner-up2024

Individual awards

Southgate was appointed Knight Bachelor in the 2025 New Year Honours for services to association football, becoming the fourth former England manager to receive a knighthood. He officially received the honour at Windsor Castle on 25 June 2025.[154][155] Prior to this, Southgate had been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2018 for his contributions to football. In recognition of his leadership of the England national team to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Southgate won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award that December. He received the award again in 2021 following England's run to the final of UEFA Euro 2020. Southgate was presented with the Football Writers' Association (FWA) Tribute Award in January 2019, honouring his impact on English football during the 2018 World Cup campaign. In August 2025, he was named the recipient of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Merit Award for his outstanding contributions to the sport and achievements as England manager.[156] For guiding England to the Euro 2020 final, Southgate was granted the Freedom of the Borough of Middlesbrough in July 2021, his hometown, in a ceremony reflecting public support for his accomplishments.

References

  1. Gareth Southgate - Manager profile | Transfermarkt
  2. England head coach profile: Gareth Southgate - The FA
  3. England Football manager profile: Gareth Southgate
  4. Gareth Southgate says it's 'time for change' and announces he will ...
  5. New Year Honours: Gareth Southgate, Stephen Fry and ... - BBC
  6. Gareth Southgate (57 caps, 2 goals) - England Stats
  7. Gareth Southgate resigns as England manager after Euro 2024 final ...
  8. Gareth Southgate leaves England job after Euro 2024 final - ESPN
  9. Gareth Southgate profile: Mild mannered man went from ending ...
  10. Gareth Southgate profile: 'level-headed grafter' who leads by example
  11. England manager Gareth Southgate's father gives the Mail a unique ...
  12. Gareth Southgate's journey from Watford to hopefully leading ...
  13. GARETH SOUTHGATE: Nothing about me as a kid was cool
  14. '˜Gareth Southgate was in my year at school!': Cowplain mum's ...
  15. Classmate recalls Gareth Southgate as a kind boy who always wore ...
  16. Home pride in 'Pompey lass' Jill Ellis now bidding for a World Cup ...
  17. Gareth Southgate's Crawley school life including being on football ...
  18. 11 things you might not know about Gareth Southgate - BBC
  19. World Cup 2018: What was Gareth Southgate like at school? - BBC
  20. Gareth Southgate: By the men who know him best - Daily Mail
  21. Good Luck Croydon College Alumnus Gareth Southgate
  22. Aston Villa squad guide - FA Cup - Home - BBC News
  23. Gareth Southgate - England Players - England Football Online
  24. Gareth Southgate Stats With Aston Villa | StatMuse
  25. Names of the Nineties: Gareth Southgate - These Football Times
  26. EURO2000 | ENGLAND | Southgate wants to quit Villa - BBC SPORT
  27. Gareth Southgate - Aston Villa Defender - StatMuse
  28. Villa's Fab 50 top player countdown: 15 Gareth Southgate - Aston Villa
  29. Southgate joins Boro on four-year deal | Soccer - The Guardian
  30. BBC SPORT | Middlesbrough | Southgate appointed as Boro boss
  31. A trophy, Europe and then six bad weeks. Gareth Southgate, the ...
  32. 2006-2007 Middlesbrough Stats, All Competitions - FBref.com
  33. EFL Cup 07/08 - Transfermarkt
  34. 2008-2009 Middlesbrough Stats, All Competitions - FBref.com
  35. Middlesbrough sack Gareth Southgate - The Guardian
  36. Gareth Southgate - Manager Stats
  37. The making of Gareth Southgate: from Crystal Palace captain to ...
  38. World Cup: The real Gareth Southgate, by those who know him best
  39. Gareth Southgate - The Palace Years - News
  40. England » Appearances EURO 1996 - worldfootball.net
  41. Southgate penalty miss sees England knocked out by Germany - BBC
  42. England in the European Championship - 2000 Squad Records
  43. England in the European Championship - 2004 Squad Records
  44. Gareth Southgate appointed as England Under-21 head coach
  45. Gareth Southgate named England Under-21 boss - BBC Sport
  46. Former defender signs four-year deal to lead Three Lions - The FA
  47. Southgate rewarded by England Under-21 - UEFA.com
  48. Gareth Southgate - Performance details: international | Transfermarkt
  49. Gareth Southgate right to resist England job and focus on Under-21s
  50. England U21s name 27-man long squad for Euro Finals - The FA
  51. Lee Carsley and Gareth Southgate's England Under-21s Records ...
  52. Gareth Southgate appointed England manager on four-year contract
  53. I'm looking forward to the challenge, says Southgate - The FA
  54. England 2-0 Malta - BBC Sport
  55. Gareth Southgate to be confirmed as England manager on ...
  56. Gareth Southgate wants to be challenged by his England players
  57. A dispassionate review of Gareth Southgate's eight years in charge ...
  58. Leadership lessons from Gareth Southgate: Creating a workplace ...
  59. Tunisia 1-2 England: Harry Kane's late goal secures World Cup win
  60. World Cup 2018: England put six past Panama to reach last 16 - BBC
  61. World Cup 2018: England lose 1-0 to Belgium in final group game
  62. World Cup 2018: England beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties - BBC Sport
  63. How Gareth Southgate overcame England's World Cup penalty ...
  64. World Cup 2018: England beat Sweden 2-0 to reach semi-finals - BBC
  65. World Cup semi-final: England lose 2-1 to Croatia in extra time - BBC
  66. How Gareth Southgate Made the Waistcoat a Surprise World Cup ...
  67. World Cup 2018: Harry Kane wins Golden Boot and Luka Modric the ...
  68. Gareth Southgate sums up England's defeat to Belgium - The FA
  69. England manager Gareth Southgate signs new contract - The FA
  70. England 7-0 Montenegro: Kane gets hat-trick as England reach finals
  71. 'You can see the confidence': Southgate hails England after Kosovo ...
  72. England's route to the EURO 2020 final - UEFA.com
  73. History: Italy 1-1 England | UEFA EURO 2020 Final
  74. Boris Johnson refuses to condemn fans booing England taking the ...
  75. England hit with stadium fan ban for Wembley disorder - The Guardian
  76. 'Unforgivable': Gareth Southgate on racist abuse of England players
  77. Gareth Southgate proud to lead England into first men's final since ...
  78. England at the 2022 World Cup: Fixtures, results, squad, scorers
  79. Gareth Southgate signs England contract extension to Euro 2024
  80. FIFA World Cup 2022: England results, scores and standings
  81. Gareth Southgate – England – Tactical Analysis – World Cup 2022
  82. Gareth Southgate urges England to block out World Cup 2022 criticism
  83. Gareth Southgate savours win and says England are 'capable of ...
  84. Serbia 0-1 England (Jun 16, 2024) Game Analysis - ESPN
  85. England frustrated in Slovenia draw but still top group - BBC Sport
  86. UEFA EURO 2024 | England Football
  87. Gareth Southgate's tenure as England manager in numbers
  88. Southgate resigns after England's Euro 2024 loss - BBC
  89. Gareth Southgate's legacy: He repaired a broken England team and ...
  90. Gareth Southgate transformed the culture and spirit of the England ...
  91. Southgate's role in FA youth coaching revolution sowed seeds for ...
  92. Southgate plans year out from management - BBC
  93. UEFA technical observers for 2024/25 Champions League
  94. Who are this season's UEFA Technical Observers?
  95. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15252685/Gareth-Southgate-update-return-management.html
  96. Sir Gareth Southgate, Alessandro Nesta, Rafa Benitez, Carli Lloyd ...
  97. Aspire Academy Global Summit 2025 concludes in Philadelphia
  98. Sir Gareth Southgate: 'Young boys need better role models' - ITVX
  99. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLESDOBqeEU
  100. Gareth Southgate to publish new book on leadership - Consultancy.uk
  101. Dear England - Gareth Southgate - Penguin Books
  102. https://www.cityam.com/gareth-southgate-sticks-to-business-and-leadership-and-shuns-football-return/
  103. Sir Gareth Southgate to deliver the 2025 Richard Dimbleby Lecture
  104. The analysis and planning behind Gareth Southgate's criticised style
  105. Gareth Southgate: Coach Watch
  106. Italy's defensive discipline the best, says Gareth Southgate
  107. Southgate's bold approach betrays a quick-developing tactical brain
  108. Gareth Southgate's authenticity helps England's mental preparation
  109. Gareth Southgate - a leader winning through coaching
  110. Southgate 'not surprised' by Harry Kane's impact - The FA
  111. Gareth Southgate warns England youngsters there are ... - Sky Sports
  112. Gareth Southgate football male masculinity - Durham University
  113. The 5 major things that Gareth Southgate has done to reboot this ...
  114. England Euro 2024 squad: Gareth Southgate's key decisions - BBC
  115. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/world-cup-2018-russia-england-squad-team-tunisia-gareth-southgate-golden-generation-a8395886.html
  116. Gareth Southgate's England story from Euro 1996 to Euro 2024 - BBC
  117. Gareth Southgate's wife and family life revealed - Heart Radio
  118. Who is Alison Southgate and when did she marry Gareth ... - Metro UK
  119. Inside Gareth Southgate's love story with wife Alison as he resigns
  120. Meet Gareth Southgate's beautiful wife, Alison, and their lookalike ...
  121. Euro 2020: Gareth Southgate's neighbours praise 'lovely, humble man'
  122. How Gareth Southgate's wife is guiding him through Euros campaign
  123. What happened to the WAGs of the England Euro 1996 squad?
  124. Everything you need to know about Gareth Southgate's wife, Alison
  125. Gareth Southgate's 'supportive' wife Alison - ultimatum to rare ...
  126. How does Southgate's England manager record compare? - BBC
  127. England's penalty shoot-out record: How many have they won ...
  128. Gareth Southgate's England team reflect the best of us. It feels good ...
  129. Euro 2020: How Gareth Southgate restored faith in England's ... - BBC
  130. Southgate coaching guide to inspire youth coaches | UEFA.com
  131. Why so rigid? Southgate's in-game inertia remains a problem for ...
  132. Euro 96 - the Summer Football Came Home on ITV? - Radio Times
  133. VIDEO: Remember Gareth Southgate In This Pizza Hut Advert?
  134. Gareth Southgate's waistcoat gets the meme treatment as fans ...
  135. 'Waistcoat Wednesday' is the brilliant meme dedicated to Gareth ...
  136. 'The waistcoat was more iconic!' - Gareth Southgate lookalike shows ...
  137. Josh's Customised Gareth Southgate Waistcoat - The Last Leg
  138. It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast - Acast
  139. Gareth Southgate - Career stats | Transfermarkt
  140. Aston Villa's brilliant but unappreciated 1996 cup heroes
  141. Gareth Southgate's memories of Middlesbrough's 2004 Carling Cup ...
  142. Gareth Southgate - Titles & achievements - Transfermarkt
  143. Premier League Player of the Month Awards - My Football Facts
  144. Southgate promises no favours for friend Pearce - The Guardian
  145. Middlesbrough FC - Manchester United, Mar 10, 2007 - FA Cup
  146. Revisiting Southgate's England U21 team that flopped at Euro 2015
  147. Netherlands 3-1 England: Nations League defeat a reality ... - BBC
  148. England extra-time misery after Stones’ blunder lets in Netherlands
User Avatar
No comments yet.