Former England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed his plans for the future after leaving his post at the Three Lions following the European Championship in July.
Southgate, 54, resigned as England manager following England’s devastating 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
He spent eight years in charge and guided the Three Lions to their first two major tournament finals since the country’s 1966 World Cup triumph.
Following his resignation, Southgate has remained silent as the FA steers England in a new direction under interim manager Lee Carsley.
However, the former coach has now spoken for the first time since resigning and has not ruled out a return to the dugout.
Gareth Southgate has spoken for the first time since stepping down as England manager
Southgate has said he has “plenty of opportunities” and is “open-minded” about his future.
Southgate made the decision to resign after England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final
“I’ve got plenty of opportunities, I’m very open to what comes next,” Southgate told Sky News. “It might be in football, it might be outside of football.”
“I’m just going to take some time, refresh myself, recharge myself and go from there. I think people know right now that I need to get my energy back.
‘I intend to enjoy my life, I’m not going to rush into anything. I want to make sure I make good decisions.’
England’s new era under Carsley has started strongly, with the Three Lions winning 2-0 against Ireland and Finland in the interim manager’s first two games.
Following the Three Lions’ comfortable win over the Finns at Wembley, Southgate was questioned about the team he managed for almost a decade.
However, the 54-year-old wants to let Carsley and Co. do their job. “There’s no point in me talking about the team now,” he added.
“I have to let other people take control, give them the space to go and lead the team to the next challenges. There’s no point in me getting involved in something like that.”
Southgate made the decision to step down from his duties with the Three Lions just two days after the team’s final defeat in Berlin.
Lee Carsley replaced Southgate on an interim basis and has now won two games from two games.
In a statement confirming his decision in July, he wrote: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and manage England. It has meant everything to me and I have given it my all.”
“But it’s time for a change and a new chapter to begin. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my last game as England manager.
‘I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. During that time, including eight years as England manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people to whom I am very grateful.
“I couldn’t have had anyone better at my side than Steve Holland. He’s one of the most talented coaches of his generation and he’s been immense.
‘I have had the privilege of managing a great group of players in 102 matches. They have all been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts and have been a credit to their country in many ways.
“The team we are taking to Germany is full of young talent and can win the trophy we all dream of. I am very proud of them and I hope we will support the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA, who strive every day to improve English football and understand the power that football has to drive positive change.
The former Three Lions boss has “no regrets” about his decision to leave after eight years
Southgate arrived in 2016 (left) and led England to two Euro finals.
‘I would especially like to thank the coaching staff who have provided the players and me with unwavering support over the past eight years. Their hard work and commitment have inspired me every day and I am very grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.
‘We have the best fans in the world and their support has meant a lot to me. I am an England fan and always will be. I look forward to watching and celebrating the players creating more special memories and connecting and inspiring the nation as we know they can.
«Thank you, England, for everything.»
And now, reflecting on his time in that position, he still believes he made the right decision to step away from international management.
“I don’t think we can have any regrets. We made decisions with the information we had at the time to try to form a winning team.”
The former England manager wants to allow Lee Carsley and his support team to do their job.
Southgate took charge of England in a similar way to Carsley: on an interim basis. However, he took over after a turbulent time in English football, which saw his teammate and former Three Lions manager Sam Allardyce leave by mutual consent after just 67 days, in 2016.
The Englishman was in charge of 102 matches, winning 64 of them, drawing 20 and losing only 18.
Mail Sport have revealed that ITV will offer Southgate a commentary role, but it appears the former England boss is still waiting for the right moment before making a decision.