22 August 2024 , 17:09
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Gareth Southgate has landed his first job since resigning as England manager following Euro 2024.
Southgate called time on his eight-year reign in charge of the England men’s team after his side lost to Spain in last month’s European Championship final.
The 53-year-old also guided England to the Euro 2020 final, where they lost to Italy on penalties, and to the latter stages of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Southgate penned an emotional statement after stepping down from the job, saying it ‘meant everything to him’ to manage his country.
The ex-England footballer hasn’t found himself out of work for too long, at least, landing a role with UEFA ahead of the start of this year’s Champions League.
Southgate – and former West Ham boss David Moyes – have joined UEFA as technical observers ahead for the 2024-25 Champions League.
As part of the job, Southgate will attend games throughout the season and file his insight to UEFA’s analysts in their hub in Nyon, Switzerland.
He will then file full reports to UEFA, assessing games, tactics and individual performances. Southgate’s role with UEFA is not expected to interfere with possible punditry gigs this season.
The reformatted Champions League begins on September 17. Real Madrid won their 15th crown last season but face competition from the likes of Bayern Munich, PSG and Premier League champions Manchester City.
While England failed to lift a trophy under Southgate, he is viewed as one of the nation’s greatest managers, having won more knockout games in his eight years as manager than in the 50 years previously.
Overall he oversaw 102 matches, winning 61.
Explaining his decision to step down, Southgate said: ‘As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England,” said Southgate.
‘It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. 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.
‘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.
‘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.’
Following Southgate’s resignation, England have appointed Lee Carsley as interim manager for the upcoming Nations League matches while continuing to search for a permanent replacement.
‘As I am very familiar with the players and the cycle of international football, it makes sense for me to guide the team while the FA continues the process to recruit a new manager,’ the 50-year-old said.
‘My main priority is to ensure continuity and our goal is to secure promotion in the Uefa Nations League.’