Gareth Southgate is being considered for a significant new role following his resignation as England’s national team manager. After leading England through an impressive eight-year tenure and guiding the team to two finals, Southgate announced his departure earlier this month after the heartbreaking Euro 2024 final loss to Spain.
Having overseen 105 matches, the Football Association is now in the process of finding his successor and has interim plans in place for the upcoming Nations League if a permanent replacement isn’t appointed by then.
While Southgate enjoys a well-deserved break after a demanding period in charge, reports from the Daily Mail suggest he could soon return to work. The BBC has reportedly targeted Southgate to replace Ian Wright on Match of the Day, following the Arsenal legend’s decision to step back from the role 27 years after his debut.
In addition to the BBC’s interest, ITV is also keen to bring Southgate back. Before his tenure as England manager, the 53-year-old served as a pundit for ITV, working alongside Roy Keane, Lee Dixon, and presenter Adrian Chiles. He covered England matches, as well as games in the Champions League and FA Cup.
If Southgate joins the BBC, it could create an intriguing dynamic with long-time host Gary Lineker and panelist Alan Shearer. Both former England stars expressed criticism of the team’s performances during the recent tournament, with Lineker referring to Southgate as “tactically inept” and labeling the draw with Denmark as “s**t,” to which captain Harry Kane later responded in a press conference.
The BBC is hopeful that Southgate will take on the role, especially as the 60th anniversary of Match of the Day approaches, anticipating that his presence might spark “a few fireworks” on air with Lineker. Match of the Day is filmed at Media City in Salford, about a 90-minute drive from Southgate’s home in Harrogate.
Credit: Sport Bible
