“The players can associate playing for England with enjoyment, fun, and not being under siege and feeling everything is against them. There's an energy and a connection back. That's important in the short, mid, and long term as well.”

English former football manager and player

Sir Gareth Southgate is an English former professional football manager and player. He played as a defender and midfielder, and managed the England national team from 2016 to 2024. His public profile is tied to his long career in English football, first on the pitch and later in management. He is known above all for leading England through a major stretch of international competition, after a playing career in which he filled defensive and midfield roles.