In a heartfelt revelation on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Gareth Southgate disclosed that he had made the decision to leave his position as England manager before the end of Euro 2024. Reflecting on his departure, the 54-year-old said:

“I knew it was time for change on all sides. It felt right to move on, but it wasn’t an easy decision.”

Southgate resigned just two days after England’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, capping an eight-year tenure that saw him guide the team to two major tournament finals.

Speaking about his connection to Adele’s “Someone Like You,” a track he picked for the show, Southgate said:

“The lyrics mirror my relationship with England. There are regrets, but also so many treasured memories.”

Southgate hinted that his next career move may take him beyond football management.

“When you’ve had one of the biggest jobs, what comes next? I’m open to doing something completely different,” he admitted.

His time away will include indulging his love of coffee – he picked a coffee machine as his luxury item – and continuing his book club, where he and friends explore classic literature. Southgate revealed a fondness for The Chimp Paradox by Professor Steve Peters, which he described as “brilliantly simple in explaining why we react the way we do.”

Southgate, a lifelong Manchester United fan, spoke about his early influences.

“We moved to Lancashire when I was young, and United were the local team. My heroes were Bryan Robson and Steve Coppell.”

Recalling his Crystal Palace days, he shared memories of pre-season trips to Portugal, where The Waterboys’ “The Whole of The Moon” became a team anthem:

“At the end of the night, we’d stay just to sing along. It’s a track that ties me to my early playing days.”

One of the more surprising insights into Gareth Southgate’s personal life was his revelation about being in a book club. Amid the intensity of managing at the highest level of football, Southgate has carved out time for intellectual pursuits, participating in a group of dads from his daughter’s former school. Together, they’ve explored around 40-50 works of classic fiction, ranging from JD Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye to Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca.

“Some of the stories we’ve read together have truly stayed with me,” he shared. “It’s a great way to step out of the football bubble and gain a fresh perspective on life, relationships, and challenges.” He even noted that while some members bring sharp literary critiques, he prefers to take a more reflective approach, drawing parallels between the characters’ struggles and his experiences in management and life.

For Southgate, literature serves as both a mental escape and a source of valuable lessons. For instance, he recalled how Ian McEwan’s On Chesil Beach left a lasting impression on him, particularly in how subtle miscommunications can lead to profound consequences — a theme he says resonates in the world of sport, too. “In football, as in life, relationships hinge on clear communication. It’s something I try to instil in myself and my team,” he explained.

In addition to his love of books, Southgate has also developed what he humorously called “a bit of a coffee snobbery.” For his luxury item on the Desert Island Discs episode, Southgate selected a coffee machine. He described how his appreciation for the beverage blossomed during international tournaments, where moments of calm over a meticulously brewed coffee provided him with the rare chance to recharge amid the chaos.

“A great cup of coffee can be meditative,” he said. “It’s a small ritual that helps me gather my thoughts before tackling the challenges of the day.” Over the years, Southgate’s passion has evolved into a hobby, with the former England manager exploring everything from bean origins to brewing techniques. He laughingly admitted he has spent hours researching espresso machines, ensuring the one he’d take to his desert island could deliver café-quality results.

For Southgate, these small joys — whether a steaming cup of coffee or a compelling novel — underscore his holistic approach to life. They reflect his ability to step back from the pressures of elite football and find fulfilment in everyday experiences. It’s a philosophy that seems to mirror his management style, emphasising balance, humanity, and the importance of staying grounded, even in the most demanding of circumstances.

As Southgate prepares to explore life beyond football, his reflections hint at a man who is as curious about the world as he is about the game. Whether coaching again, stepping into a punditry role, or diving into a completely new venture, it’s clear that Southgate’s post-England chapter will be approached with the same thoughtful and measured attitude that has defined his career thus far.

“Life is a game of constant reinvention,” Southgate mused. “I don’t know exactly what’s next, but I’m excited to discover it — one book and one cup of coffee at a time.”