Gareth Southgate says he intends to have one year away from coaching after leaving his role as England manager in July.
The 54-year-old spent eight years in charge of the national side, as well as three years leading England’s under-21s, before stepping down after this summer’s European Championship final defeat by Spain.
Southgate said he would take his time to decide his next career move but explained a role at another national team was unlikely as “England was from the heart”.
“Sometimes when you are in a big role you don’t realise the weight until it’s gone,” he told the European Club Association’s general assembly. “It is one of those jobs where everybody has an opinion.
“I am enjoying my life so there is no rush. For 11 years I committed fully to the national federation. I won’t coach in the next year for sure. I am certain of that.
“When you come out of a big role you need to give your body time, your mind time. I need to give myself time to make good decisions.”
Southgate led England to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the European Championship final in 2021 and 2024, achieving the men’s team’s first major tournament semi-final appearance since 1996 and first appearance in a major final since 1966.
In March, he called reports linking him with Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United job “disrespectful” and pledged he would not speak to any clubs about the possibility of taking a role before Euro 2024.
Southgate last worked in club football as manager of Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009 and he said he could be tempted by a return to the domestic game.
“(A return to) club football? Depending on what role that is,” he added. “I have been fortunate to have worked with fantastic players. You got to have excitement, passion to go to work every day,” he added.
“It is unlikely to be another national federation. England was from the heart.”
Lee Carsley remains in interim charge of England following Southgate’s departure. England are in action on Thursday against Greece in the Nations League.
(Top photo: Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images)
