After eight years at the helm of the England national team, Gareth Southgate says he walks away without a single regret. His tenure, marked by two major finals and a revitalized sense of national pride in English football, concluded after the Euro 2024 campaign. Despite the challenges and criticisms, Southgate remains firm that stepping down was the best decision for both himself and the team.
Southgate, now 54, led England to their second consecutive major final at Euro 2024, but the squad fell short once again, losing 2-1 to Spain. However, Southgate is resolute in his belief that his tactical approach was sound, even if a trophy ultimately eluded them.
In a recent interview, Southgate opened up about his decision to leave the post. “It was probably the right time for change,” he told Sky News. “You can’t live with regrets. Every decision we made was with the best information at the time, all with the goal of building a winning team. We raised the bar for English football, and that was a crucial step.”
From Criticism to Legacy
Southgate’s tenure wasn’t without its share of detractors. Following England’s underwhelming performances in Germany this summer, critics took aim at what they saw as a cautious style of play. Some drew comparisons with the more aggressive tactics employed by interim manager Lee Carsley, who has led the team since Southgate’s departure.
Southgate, however, remains unfazed by the critique. “I’ve distanced myself from it all since stepping down,” he admitted. “It’s important to let the new leadership find their rhythm without me lingering over the team. My time is done, and now it’s their moment to push forward.”
When asked about his future, Southgate remains open-minded: “I’m not ruling anything out. Whether I stay in football or venture into something else, I just need some time to recharge and see where life takes me.”
Life After Southgate: Carsley’s Early Success
In the wake of Southgate’s departure, England has enjoyed a seamless transition under interim manager Lee Carsley. The team recently secured a comfortable 2-0 win against Finland in the UEFA Nations League, extending Carsley’s perfect start after a similar 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
Despite the early success, Carsley admitted that stepping into the senior role has been a challenge. “I’m definitely out of my comfort zone,” he revealed in an interview with ITV. “This window has been a learning experience, and while it’s been enjoyable, the pressure to maintain high standards every day is immense. Thankfully, we’ve had two good results, but it’s about maintaining that momentum now.”
A New Chapter for England Football
With Southgate’s departure, England enters a new phase. His eight-year tenure might not have delivered a major trophy, but it restored faith in the national team and rekindled hopes of glory on the international stage. Now, the spotlight is on Carsley and whoever ultimately takes over as the next permanent manager to carry forward the legacy and lead the team to greater heights.
As for Southgate, his time with England may have ended, but his influence on the national team will be felt for years to come. Whether he stays in the world of football or moves on to new ventures, one thing is certain: Gareth Southgate has made his mark on English football history.
