“The quality of our academy system is very high, as good as anything in the world. Around the country, lots of people in youth development are keen to get together and find a solution to that 17-to-21 age bracket and how we get those players playing.”

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.