Leaving the England job has so often been the beginning of the end for managers’ careers, but that does not feel the case for Gareth Southgate.
Southgate exits with the best record of an England boss at major tournaments since Sir Alf Ramsey and he should not be short of options when deciding what comes next. The big question for Southgate is what comes next?
ITV are reportedly ready to offer him a role as a pundit and the chance to be a key part of their coverage building up to the 2026 World Cup.
But Southgate could be tempted by a return to club management.
He was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United and was considered a contender to replace Erik ten Hag if he was sacked this summer.
Reports from the north-east yesterday suggest United are now “highly unlikely” to move to Southgate – even if they have a bad start to the season and part ways with Ten Hag.
But he is likely to be among the first names linked with Premier League jobs when inevitable sackings take place next season.
