Former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate says he is not actively seeking a return to the dugout and admitted he was surprised to see himself linked with the Poland job earlier this summer.
It has been 13 months since Southgate stepped down after England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain in Berlin, bringing an end to an eight-year spell in charge that delivered consecutive European Championship finals and two deep World Cup runs.
Since leaving the role, the 54-year-old has taken time out of football, balancing business ventures with work in leadership and coaching development, while also writing a book.
“I’m enjoying my life,” Southgate told PA. “I’ve got quite a lot on – business interests, work with young coaches, writing, and time to travel, play golf and paddle tennis. I’m very much enjoying that balance.”
Asked about the prospect of returning to management, he replied: “You can never say never, because 15 years ago I left Middlesbrough and wasn’t sure I’d manage again.
“Then I ended up on a strange path into the national team. But it’s not something I’m actively looking at at the moment.”
Southgate admitted he was bemused by recent rumours suggesting he was in the frame to take charge of Poland.
“I was linked with the Poland job, which I knew nothing about, so that was a strange one,” he said.
“Something gets written and then it’s reported everywhere. I just accept it now for what it is.”
Southgate was speaking at the PFA Awards in Manchester, where he received the Merit Award in recognition of his contributions to football and achievements with England. Current England manager Thomas Tuchel was also in attendance.
Reflecting on the squad he left behind, Southgate said: “They’ve obviously got lots of good players and there are always exciting young players coming through. But it’s important for me not to say too much, because I don’t want to step on Thomas’ toes.”
