Gareth Southgate: ‘There’s More That Unites Us Than Divides Us’

Sir Gareth Southgate says he is not planning a return to football management, explaining that after leading England for eight years, it would be difficult to find another role that carried the same sense of purpose.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Southgate reflected on his time as England manager and the influence he hopes to continue having on the next generation. “I’ve had one of the most incredible jobs in football which also had a higher purpose because it was my country,” he said. “That’s going to be very hard to replicate.”

Southgate, who stepped down in July after guiding England to consecutive major tournament finals, said he now wants to help address what he sees as a growing “negative narrative” in the UK. “There’s a negative narrative around our country at the moment and we’ve got to give young people hope,” he said. “We’ve got incredible talent but they need the right role models, the right friendship groups, because those decisions have such a big impact on the rest of their lives.”

He added that his new focus is on mentorship and community engagement rather than the Premier League or international football. “Having had 37 years in football, I’m enjoying finding other areas where I might make a difference,” he said.

Southgate drew comparisons between his time managing England and the challenges faced by young people today. “When we started, there was a huge disconnect with the public,” he recalled. “People saw us as high-ego players but we were able to turn that around. I saw the power that the team had to bring people together from every community.”

As a parent, he said, he has experienced the same generational barriers as many families. “You want to give your kids the best possible start, but there comes a point when they don’t want to listen to parents any more. That’s when they need others to step in — teachers, coaches, mentors,” he explained.

Southgate also spoke about unity in Britain, emphasising the need for shared purpose.

“There is more that unites us than divides us,”

he said. “It’s understandable why people are disaffected. Economically, lots of places are struggling, but I’ve seen our ability to pull together. During Covid, people were doing shopping for neighbours – that’s when we’re at our best.”

His comments come as new figures from the Office for National Statistics underline continued challenges in youth wellbeing and national morale, an issue many public figures are calling attention to.

For further reading, details on the government’s National Youth Guarantee initiative show ongoing investment in programmes designed to support young people’s skills and mental health.

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