Gareth Southgate revealed he made the decision to step down as England manager before the end of Euro 2024, despite leading the Three Lions to the final.
Southgate resigned just two days after the agonising 2-1 defeat by Spain and remains out of work after being linked with several clubs including Manchester United.
While guesting on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, the 54-year-old opened up on his emotional departure, insisting it was ‘time for change on all sides’.
He also chose Adele’s Someone Like You as one of the eight songs he would take with him if cast away to a desert island and explained he had the hit on repeat during the tournament in Germany because ‘I knew I was going to be leaving’.
Speaking about the track, Southgate said: ‘There were so many of the words in it that, even if I hear it today, it relates to my relationship with England.’
The ballad is written from the perspective of a woman addressing the break-up of a lengthy relationship after believing she would marry her former partner.
Gareth Southgate decided to step down as England manager during Euro 2024
Southgate resigned just two days after the Three Lions’ agonising defeat by Spain in the final
He revealed which tear-jerking song he had on repeat after realising it was ‘time for change’
‘They’ve got to move on and you wish them the best and there are regrets, but there were actually memories that were made,’ Southgate added.
Southgate also selected Shape of You by Ed Sheeran, featuring Stormzy, and The Whole of the Moon by The Waterboys as part of his eight-song collection.
With his next steps still a mystery, Southgate explained he is open to a ‘totally different’ career path and even teased a move outside of coaching.
‘When you’re a coach and you’ve had one of the biggest jobs, how do you follow that up?’ he told presenter Lauren Laverne during the episode released on Sunday.
Southgate led England to consecutive European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024, becoming the first Three Lions manager in history to do so.
England also reached their first major tournament final since 1996 at Euro 2020 under Southgate, who was awarded 57 international caps during his playing career. Â
He is now in line to receive a knighthood in the New Year Honours List for his work with the national team, five years after being awarded an OBE.
It was reported in October that the decision required approval.
But with the green light now given, the letters are understood to have already been sent out by the Honours Committee, according to The Sun.Â
