Gareth Southgate, the former England manager and football player, has made headlines recently by stepping down from his managerial role after England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. The news has sparked conversations about his next career move, with some speculating about a possible link to Manchester United. Southgate’s departure marks the end of an eight-year tenure during which he led England to some of their most memorable achievements in recent times.
The former England defender’s career spans both playing and managerial roles, from leading the defense for teams like Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Middlesbrough, to later guiding England’s national team. Now, the football world is buzzing with questions about who will replace him and whether he will take up the vacant position at Manchester United.
Summary Table – Gareth Southgate’s Career Milestones
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1988-1995 | Crystal Palace | Played as a defender and midfielder |
| 1995-2001 | Aston Villa | Key player and reached the FA Cup final in 2000 |
| 2001-2006 | Middlesbrough | Captained the team to the 2004 League Cup win |
| 2006-2009 | Middlesbrough Manager | Managed the club, ended with relegation |
| 2016 | England Manager | Appointed to lead the national team |
| 2018 | World Cup Semi-Finals | England reached the semi-finals |
| 2020 | Euro 2020 Final | England lost to Italy in a penalty shootout |
| 2024 | Resigned as England Manager | Stepped down after Euro 2024 final defeat |
Key Takeaways
- Gareth Southgate resigned as England manager in July 2024 after the team’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
- Rumors suggest Southgate might be considered for Manchester United’s managerial role, as Erik ten Hag’s future remains uncertain.
- Potential candidates to replace Southgate as England manager include Graham Potter, Eddie Howe, and Mauricio Pochettino.
- Southgate’s career has included playing for Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Middlesbrough, as well as managing Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2009.
Gareth Southgate’s Career – From Player to Manager
Who Did Gareth Southgate Play For?
Gareth Southgate had a solid playing career, primarily as a defender, but also as a midfielder at times. He played for three clubs during his career:
- Crystal Palace (1988–1995): Southgate began his professional career at Crystal Palace, where he made over 150 appearances and contributed to the club’s success in the early ’90s.
- Aston Villa (1995–2001): He joined Aston Villa and quickly became a key player. During his time there, Villa reached the FA Cup final in 2000.
- Middlesbrough (2001–2006): Southgate moved to Middlesbrough, where he not only played but also captained the team to win the League Cup in 2004, the club’s first major trophy.
Southgate also earned 57 caps for the England national team, participating in major tournaments like the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000.
Gareth Southgate’s Management Journey
Southgate’s managerial career began at Middlesbrough, where he took charge in 2006 shortly after retiring as a player. He managed the team until 2009, but his time at Middlesbrough ended when the club was relegated from the Premier League.
In 2016, Southgate took over as the England manager. His tenure was marked by significant milestones:
- 2018 World Cup Semi-Finalist: Southgate led England to the semi-finals, their best performance in the tournament since 1990.
- Euro 2020 Finalist: England reached the Euro 2020 final but lost to Italy in a penalty shootout.
- Euro 2024: Despite reaching the final, England fell short again, losing to Spain. This prompted Southgate’s decision to step down.
Gareth Southgate Quits as England Manager
Southgate announced his resignation in July 2024, shortly after the Euro 2024 final. He said it was time for a "new chapter" and for someone else to take England forward. His decision came after eight years in charge, during which he reshaped the team and established a new sense of unity and confidence.
Reasons Behind His Decision
The primary reason Southgate cited for his resignation was the need for a change, both for himself and for the team. He acknowledged that while he was proud of England’s progress under his leadership, a fresh perspective could help the team reach the next level. Southgate’s departure came amid increasing pressure after England’s back-to-back losses in major tournament finals (Euro 2020 and Euro 2024).
Gareth Southgate and Manchester United – Is He the Next Manager?
Gareth Southgate Linked to Manchester United
With Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United uncertain, reports suggest that Southgate could be considered as a potential replacement. While there has been no official confirmation, some sources indicate that Southgate is favored by influential figures at the club.
Southgate’s Response to Rumors
When asked about the rumors linking him to Manchester United, Southgate dismissed them as "irrelevant" during his time with the England team. However, now that he is no longer the national manager, the speculation has gained more weight.
Potential Replacements for Gareth Southgate
The search for Southgate’s replacement as England manager is already underway, with several names being considered:
- Graham Potter: The former Brighton and Chelsea manager is seen as a strong candidate due to his tactical acumen.
- Eddie Howe: Currently managing Newcastle United, Howe’s name has come up as a potential candidate, although his club duties may prevent a move.
- Mauricio Pochettino: The experienced Argentine coach is another option, with a history of success in the Premier League.
- Lee Carsley: Currently the England Under-21 manager, Carsley is seen as an internal candidate who could step up.
The Football Association (FA) is also considering international options, though there is a preference for a domestic coach who understands English football.
Gareth Southgate’s Time at Middlesbrough – A Look Back
Southgate’s connection with Middlesbrough is significant not only as a player but also as a manager. He joined the club in 2001 and played for five years before becoming the manager in 2006. Under his leadership, the team experienced some ups and downs. His managerial stint ended in 2009 when Middlesbrough was relegated from the Premier League, a setback that marked the beginning of Southgate’s evolution into a national team coach.
FAQs
Why did Gareth Southgate resign as England manager?
Gareth Southgate resigned after the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, stating it was time for a new chapter for both him and the team.
Who could replace Gareth Southgate as England manager?
Potential replacements include Graham Potter, Eddie Howe, Mauricio Pochettino, and Lee Carsley.
Has Gareth Southgate managed a club team before?
Yes, he managed Middlesbrough from 2006 to 2009.
Is Gareth Southgate linked to Manchester United?
There are rumors suggesting Southgate could be considered for the Manchester United job, but no official announcements have been made.
What are Gareth Southgate’s career highlights as a player?
He played for Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Middlesbrough, earning 57 caps for England.
When did Gareth Southgate start managing the England national team?
He became the England manager in 2016.
What was Gareth Southgate’s biggest achievement with England?
His biggest achievements include reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020.
Gareth Southgate’s resignation has left a significant impact on English football, and his future, along with that of England’s managerial position, will be topics of interest in the coming months.