Gareth Southgate has no “masterplan” for his managerial career when he eventually leaves the England job, insisting his full focus is on leading the Three Lions to Euro 2024 glory.
Southgate came close to walking away following England’s quarter-final defeat to France at the 2022 World Cup, only to commit to staying until the end of his contract.
That deal expires in December, and while many expect the upcoming tournament in Germany to be his last at the helm, Southgate recently said no decision had been made regarding his future.
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Speaking to Sky Sports on Thursday, Southgate was asked whether a return to day-to-day management was inevitable, over 14 years after he left his only previous club role at Middlesbrough.
Southgate, though, has no firm long-term plans, saying: “I didn’t think I’d be England manager until two days before it happened, I had to take over at short notice.
“I’ve never really planned my career and there’s no real masterplan for me. I love what I’m doing, I know it’s not going to be forever and I’m excited about what’s next, but I don’t have a clear vision.
“I’m really excited for June and July, and I know my total focus has to be on that because I owe it not only to a group of players and staff, but to 60 million people as well.”
The boss reacts to our #NationsLeague draw… ????
— England (@England) February 8, 2024
Asked if he misses anything about club management, Southgate said he prefers to focus on the benefits of working in international football, such as travelling the globe to take in games.
“I’m fortunate that I go to games every weekend, I’m very much across what’s happening in our league and I get to see the European leagues and Champions League games,” he said.
“I’ve always been across everything that happens, but I don’t particularly look at one thing or the other. I love all football. I don’t focus on what I’m missing in life, I focus on what I’ve got.”
Southgate was also asked whether he could follow in the footsteps of some of his players – including Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane – by moving to a foreign league.
While Southgate is open to the prospect of working abroad, his focus is purely on ending England’s 58-year wait for a major trophy.
“I’m quite comfortable with languages and things but I’m only thinking about managing in Germany this summer. Everything, for me, rests on that,” he continued.
“We’ve had a lot of development of our team and I’m desperate to deliver for everybody this summer.”
???? Our #NationsLeague fixtures for Autumn! pic.twitter.com/XYXxnXh7RT
— England (@England) February 9, 2024
