Former England and Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has been spending time away from management since he resigned following England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the 2024 European Championship final, but the 55-year-old has now emerged as the shock favourite to take charge of a club in the Premier League.
Southgate spent eight years in charge of the Three Lions and took them to two finals – Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 – but the Football Association (FA) ultimately were left feeling shortchanged as both finals were lost.
Replaced by Thomas Tuchel as a result, Southgate, who began his managerial career at Middlesbrough before joining the England set-up as an academy manager before landing the job as the Under-21s manager, is yet to re-enter the world of being a touchline tactician. Reports, however, claim he could be back in the hotseat soon.
Southgate, 18 Months Following England Exit, Linked with Premier League Job
Since becoming a free agent, the former defender has been linked with plenty of jobs – notably the Manchester United job when Erik ten Hag was relieved of his duties in October 2024. Ruben Amorim was the club’s choice instead, though the Portuguese is no longer at Old Trafford following a string of poor results.
Tottenham Hotspur, who are struggling to find their groove under summer appointment Thomas Frank, has also been mooted as a potential landing spot for Southgate.
It’s not United or the Spurs job, however, that Southgate is being strongly linked with amid a raft of managerial changes in England’s top flight. Oliver Glasner may be in the Selhurst Park dugout for the time being, but Southgate, judging by the latest odds, could be his readymade replacement.
|
Gareth Southgate – Managerial Career |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Role |
Spell |
Matches |
W/D/L |
Points per Match |
|
England |
28/09/16–16/07/24 |
102 |
64/20/18 |
2.08 |
|
England U21 |
22/08/13–27/09/16 |
33 |
27/3/3 |
2.55 |
|
Middlesbrough |
07/06/06–20/10/09 |
151 |
47/41/63 |
1.21 |
Glasner, despite spearheading Crystal Palace to a maiden FA Cup win last term, has come under fire following a downturn in performances and results in recent weeks.
Once Marc Guehi’s January move to Manchester City had been confirmed, the Dane confirmed that he too would be leaving the south London club – though, unlike the central defender, he’d be leaving in the summer instead. “I already informed the club months ago that I wanted a new challenge,” he said.
Palace chief Steve Parish was left angered by Glasner’s comments following their 2-1 defeat to Sunderland and even considered the Austrian’s future, but talks over dinner meant that he remains committed to his job until the end of the season. Following his side’s 3-1 loss to Chelsea, he said:
“I had a very long dinner with [Steve] Parish this week and we talked about the situation not to sell Marc, again the timing and a possible replacement. I wanted to explain and it was a very good talk for both of us. I said I will give my best for a great season and Steve and me are still 100% committed.”
Every England National Team Manager Ranked From Worst to Best
From Walter Winterbottom to Gareth Southgate to Roy Hodgson, England have endured varying levels of managerial success over the years.
According to several bookmakers via Odds Checker, Glasner’s most likely successor is Southgate. At the time of writing, Sky Bet, Paddy Power and William Hill have priced him at 5/1, while bet365 and BetVictor have odds of 6/1.
Southgate has no shortage of Premier League experience on the other side of the white line, having managed Boro between June 2006 and October 2009. That spell, however, did result in the Riverside Stadium outfit being relegated to England’s second division, the Championship.
Southgate’s Affinity to Selhurst Park Could Stand him In Good Stead
Many fans, especially those who reside in England, hold reservations over the Watford-born manager’s ability to coach. Although he produced some of the finest moments in Three Lions history, his inability to get things over the line – and ultimately win trophies – was a sticking point for many who wanted to back him.
But things could be different in south London because he already has ties to the Eagles. Although Southgate spent the majority of his career with Aston Villa (240 matches), he kick-started his playing days with Palace and graduated from their academy ranks in 1989.
Between his debut in 1989 and 1995 when he left for Villa Park, the former 57-cap England international played 129 times for the club. In that timeframe, he notched 16 goal contributions (11 goals and five assists) from the back line – but his two career trophies (the League Cup twice) were won elsewhere.
All statistics per Transfermarkt – correct as of 27/01/2026
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