Gareth Southgate, who resigned as England manager, will turn down offers from Manchester United to remain in international management, according to Gary Neville.
Southgate stated on Tuesday that he will be quitting the Three Lions after an extraordinary eight years and 102 games in command, culminating in the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
The 53-year-old’s replacement has sparked speculation, with Graham Potter, Lee Carsley, Eddie Howe, and Mauricio Pochettino all connected with the role.
But there is also discussion about what Southgate will do next, now that he has transformed England from a laughing stock in 2016 to one of the finest teams world.
Prior to the Euros, it was widely-reported that Manchester United were very interested in his services, though they ultimately opted to stick with Erik ten Hag.
It is now said that while Southgate is still highly respected by United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Red Devils are ‘highly unlikely’ to appoint him in the eventuality that Ten Hag were to depart.
Neville suggests this could be for the best however, saying that Southgate is more well suited to the international stage rather than club football.
GARETH SOUTHGATE’S ENGLAND STATEMENT
‘As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all,’ Southgate said in a statement on the FA website.
‘But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.
‘I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.
‘I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.
‘I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.
‘The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.
‘I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind 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 football has to drive positive change.’
Southgate added: ‘My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.
‘We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.
‘I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.
‘Thank you, England – for everything.’
‘I would like to think Gareth will stay in international management,’ the former United and England defender told Sky Sports.
‘His patience and understanding is second to none and it suits him. He is a statesman-like leader who represents countries really well.
‘He is such a proud Englishman – he doesn’t look like a bulldog type who will fight for his country, like Terry Butcher and Stuart Pearce, but he is that type in a different shell.
‘But I think he could take his learnings into another country. He could also stay with England and the FA in a higher role and develop English coaches.’
Among the jobs Southgate has been tipped for is USA manager, after they sacked Gregg Berhalter and failed with an outlandish move for Jurgen Klopp, who is also linked to the England job.
That would be a prestigious position given that the United States is set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.
He’s also been heavily tipped to take over at Newcastle, though that is probably because current Magpies boss Howe is one of the favourites to replace Southgate.
‘[The next England manager] will have to win a trophy to surpass what Gareth has achieved,’ Neville added.
We have had managers of many stripes throughout the years, including the most successful English managers, international managers, stylish managers, and managers who rose through the ranks with young teams.
“There are clear contenders, but there is no science to what works.” Eddie Howe and Graham Potter will be brought up, and I believe an English manager will be appointed.
The goal of relocating to St. George’s Park was to advance and grow English coaching. To take that away from an English manager and give to an international manager would be wrong.’