Euro 2024: A look at England manager Gareth Southgate’s career so far

The Premier League curtain has been drawn, and now it’s time to focus on Euro 2024, with all eyes on Gareth Southgate on Tuesday as he names his provisional England squad.

Sport News Blitz’s Adam Nash has taken a detailed look at everything you need to know about Southgate’s campaign for Euro 2024 glory with the Three Lions.

But here, we look at Southgate’s career, which has been like a football match with extra time and plenty of twists so far.

Gareth Southgate’s Playing Career

Early Years and Crystal Palace (1988-1995):

Southgate kicked off his career at Crystal Palace, joining as a youth player in 1988. Back then, he was probably still figuring out how to tie his boots properly.

He made his senior debut in 1990, playing as a central midfielder, but we all know he was secretly eyeing the defense line like a kid looking at the dessert table.

He captained Crystal Palace and led them to the Premier League in the 1993-94 season. It's like taking your mates from the local pub league to the Champions League, sort of.

Aston Villa (1995-2001):

In 1995, Southgate packed his bags for Aston Villa for a cool £2.5million. That's a lot of fish and chips!

He switched to a central defensive role, becoming the rock at the back - though hopefully, a rock with a bit more mobility.

Southgate won the League Cup with Villa in 1996. It wasn’t the World Cup, but hey, silverware is silverware!

Middlesbrough (2001-2006):

Southgate joined Middlesbrough in 2001 for £6.5million. For that price, he better be worth his weight in goals, or at least clean sheets.

He captained Middlesbrough to their first major trophy, the League Cup, in 2004. He probably insisted they engrave his name twice for good measure.

Southgate also played a key role in Middlesbrough’s run to the UEFA Cup final in 2006, but they ended up with silver medals. You win some, you lose some, and then you just laugh it off, right?

International Career (1995-2004):

Southgate earned his first England cap in 1995, quickly becoming a regular. He was the dependable type - like a cup of tea in a crisis.

Unfortunately, he’s often remembered for missing a penalty against Germany in Euro 1996. If only the goalposts had ears, they’d still be hearing his apologies.

He also played in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, where England didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory. But hey, they looked good in those Umbro kits!

Managerial Career

Middlesbrough (2006-2009):

Southgate swapped his boots for a manager’s suit at Middlesbrough in 2006. Straight from the pitch to the dugout, no time to get cold feet!

His managerial stint had its ups and downs, a bit like a rollercoaster but with fewer screams.

Middlesbrough were relegated in 2009, and Southgate was shown the door. It’s like getting a breakup text after a decent first date.

England Under-21s (2013-2016):

In 2013, Southgate took the reins of the England Under-21 team. He must have felt like a schoolteacher with a very energetic class.

He led the team to the 2015 European Under-21 Championship, though they didn’t exactly set the stage on fire. More like a gentle simmer.

His work with the U21s was noted for developing young talent. Think of him as a gardener nurturing a bunch of promising seedlings.

England Senior Team (2016-Present):

Southgate became interim manager of the England senior team in 2016, after Sam Allardyce’s brief stint. It was a bit like being handed the keys to a shiny car after the previous driver got a speeding ticket.

He led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, making the country believe football was indeed coming home. It almost did, but then it took a detour.

At UEFA Euro 2020, England reached their first major final since 1966 but lost to Italy on penalties. So close, yet so “ay caramba!”

Southgate is known for promoting young talent and a pragmatic playing style. He’s like the wise uncle who gives great advice and occasionally lets you stay up past your bedtime.

Achievements and Honors

As a Player:

League Cup winner with Aston Villa (1996) and Middlesbrough (2004). Trophies to keep the dust off the shelf.

UEFA Cup runner-up with Middlesbrough (2006). Not quite the fairy tale ending, but good for the scrapbook.

As a Manager:

Led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. Almost heroes.

Reached the UEFA Euro 2020 final. So close, you could almost hear the victory parade.

UEFA Nations League third place (2018-19). Better than a participation trophy!

Gareth Southgate has made his mark on English football with a blend of professionalism, leadership, and a dash of humor (intentional or not).

He’s like the lovable protagonist in a footballing saga just hoping for that perfect ending, which all England fans are dreaming for this summer.

READ MORE: Euro 2024: A look at England’s fixtures, opponents and their path to glory