Gareth Southgate has said there could still be a “new chapter” to his managerial career after being honoured at the 2025 PFA Awards. Southgate received the PFA merit award for his contributions to football and achievements with England.
Southgate, 54, resigned as England boss two days after losing the Euro 2024 final to Spain. This ended an eight-year tenure during which he was widely credited with advancing the team and making England a competitor at major tournaments. However, despite speculation linking him to the Poland national job, no new managerial role has been forthcoming.
After receiving his award at the Manchester Opera House, Southgate was asked about a potential return to the dugout. He replied: “I wouldn’t hold my breath on that, maybe there’s a new chapter”
However, Southgate, who also managed Middlesbrough before joining the Three Lions set-up to coach the under-21s, also indicated he was relishing time away from the game. He said: “I’m enjoying my life. I’ve got quite a lot on. I’m in the middle of writing a book, I’ve got several interests.
“I do work on leadership, helping some young coaches. But I’ve also got time to travel and play a bit of golf and a bit of paddle tennis. I’m very much enjoying that balance.
“You can’t say never to anything because 15 years ago I left Middlesbrough and I wasn’t sure I would manage then, and I ended up on a strange path into managing the national team. But it’s not something I’m actively looking at at the moment.”
Since stepping down, Southgate has taken on a new role as a UEFA technical observer. The job involves analysing matches from a coaching perspective and producing reports for the authority.
Upon awarding his latest honour, a PFA statement read: “He has overseen a period of unrivalled achievement by the men’s national team, and has been an outstanding ambassador for the game – forging genuine connections between the country, supporters, and the players.”