Gareth Southgate has probably had warmer welcomes. When the England men’s manager emerged to greet 50 teenage girls at St George’s Park this week, he was met by screams of excitement. At least two of them. There was some polite clapping as well. But the general response, it is fair to say, was something closer to bemusement.
Southgate took it on the chin. He smiled and chatted with the young women who, in turn, warmed up and peppered him with questions. Largely teenagers from marginalised communities, they were at the England base to learn coaching and leadership skills as part of a programme run by the group Football Beyond Borders. That they may not have instantly recognised the men’s boss is perhaps not surprising. But they all love the game and could hold the answer to increasing diversity in women’s football.
