What next for Gareth Southgate?

For the first time in eight years, the FA are on the hunt for a new manager having parted ways with Gareth Southgate.

Southgate departs his role with a cemented legacy. While his tenure failed to finally bring football home, he came closer than anyone before him. Twice were his England team beaten in the European Championship final, and their defeat to Spain in Euro 2024’s showpiece event has proven to be Southgate’s 102nd and last game in charge of his country.

A progressive patriot who’s emerged as a stable figurehead amid laughable political turbulence and Royal changeover, it’s hard to imagine an England team that isn’t led by Southgate.

Much of the focus in the immediate aftermath of the manager’s decision has surrounded Southgate’s successor, but little discourse has accounted for what the future holds for the now-former England statesman.

Southgate offered no hints as to what’s next on his agenda in a heartfelt 331-word statement confirming his departure from the England job.

The former defender is unlikely to get back into management right away with the 2024/25 season getting started in mid-August. Southgate is not going to be taking on another international role, and it’s unlikely that a club overseas will come in for his services.

If Southgate does get back into management, it’ll surely be in his homeland and there have been tenuous links with Premier League clubs. INEOS were believed to be considering him before Euro 2024 but have ultimately stuck with Erik ten Hag. However, if the Dutchman does struggle next season, then Southgate is a name to keep an eye on in regard to the Manchester United job.

The stark difference between international and club football means it’s quite hard to assess the level of manager-needy club that would be interested in Southgate. Despite the Man Utd links, the Englishman is unlikely to get offers from elite clubs. However, there’s a situation where Newcastle are on the hunt for a new manager if Eddie Howe opts to succeed Southgate.

His previous ties to Crystal Palace would perhaps open a door if Oliver Glasner fails to build upon the excellent start made to his tenure. Southgate also spent five years as a player at Middlesbrough, who currently reside in the Championship. Another former club, Aston Villa, are unlikely to be interested anytime soon.