Gareth Southgate admits that he does not miss the England administration after receiving the knight

Sir Gareth Southgate admitted that he could not miss the England administration and no longer feel the weight that came with the leadership of the national team.

The 54 -year -old stepped down last summer after England was beaten by Spain in the Euro 2024 final, and ended for a period of seven and a half years with another medal in second place.

Southgate also led the team to fourth in the 2018 World Cup in Russia-his best offer in the tournament since 1990.

Despite these accomplishments, former Middlesebrough president says he is watching from a distance.

“It is a little strange (watching the team), but I also don’t miss it,” Southgate told the BBC Sport.

“I think it is important to be on that sofa and get out of their way, as you know. It is for them to take now and I think it is important to give the team as much space as possible.”

Southgate was a knight this week for his contributions to English football, to become only the fourth director of England who received such honor, in the footsteps of Walter Winterputom, Sir Ramezi and Sir Bobby Robson.

Thinking about job pressure, Southgate said it is only now, after getting away, he really realizes how consumed.

Former England President Gareth Southgate Fares received 🎖 pic.twitter.com/lq7tvgli

BBC Sport (BBCSport) June 25, 2025

He added: “I think it is difficult to describe because until this weight ends, you do not necessarily realize only on a daily basis, as you know, every hour of my day was thinking about how I made England better, what happens with the players, and how to do things in a different way.”

“So I think (like) any leader of the big organizations, you are constantly considering how to do your work as much as possible.”

After the departure of Southgate, Thomas Tuchil was appointed as a permanent successor, after a short temporary talisman by Lee Karsley.

Tuchel began an ideal start in the World Cup qualifiers, but it faced criticism from supporters after England suffered a friendly defeat of Senegal in the city’s land.

Upon assuming the job, Tuchel claimed that the Southgate team in England “did not have a clear identity” and said they were “more fearful of getting rid of (euros 2024) than excitement and hunger to win it.”

When asked about these comments, Southgate refused to engage in a war of words.

“I don’t think it is important how I took it (criticism of Tuchil) or what I think,” he said.

“I think the important thing is to give the team, the manager, the work space. I think this is the right thing to do.

“I have had an amazing experience in driving my country, but the time has come to go forward now and I will be a fan of the home supporting it.”