Gareth Southgate Rejected For Job as Manager of Major European Nation

It’s been almost an entire year since Gareth Southgate was dismissed by the Football Association (FA) after losing two successive finals of the European Championships – and the 54-year-old tactician has reportedly been rejected by a major footballing nation after he showed interest in the role.

England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 showpiece was the straw that broke the camel’s back and, despite being widely regarded as one of the best Three Lions managers of all time, he was sacked post-tournament and replaced by Thomas Tuchel.

Southgate has since flirted with the prospect of returning to management and, after Crystal Palace’s subpar start to 2024/25, he was earmarked as a potential Oliver Glasner replacement. Fast-forward a few months, and he’s been turned down by a major European nation.

Gareth Southgate Snubbed by Polish FA

‘If he gave us such a guarantee, I would hire him right away’

Michal Probierz, the former manager of Poland, resigned following a bitter feud with Robert Lewandowski, who vowed not to represent his nation under Probierz. The Barcelona and Poland talisman blamed a ‘loss of trust’ behind his shock decision.

Now looking for a replacement, Southgate put his name forward for the vacant role. The Watford-born tactician – who started his managerial career at Middlesbrough in 2006 – made initial enquiries to the Polish FA (PZPN) through his representatives.

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His offer, however, was quickly snubbed by PZPN President Cezary Kulesza, who has made it abundantly clear that Southgate will not be who they appoint for the job. Speaking to Przeglad Sportowy, per the Daily Express, Kulesza admitted:

Kulesza, who is set to appoint the fourth head coach of his tenureship as President, compared Southgate to that of ex-Portugal boss Fernando Santos, who took on the Poland role in January 2023 and was then sacked after nine months.

“Fernando Santos is a perfect example,” the President of the PZPN said. “Coach with success, big name, everyone applauded, and the verification was surprising and painful for all of us.”

Therefore, given that Kulesza has indicated that the PZPN would rather recruit a Polish native, who would lead them through qualification for the 2026 World Cup, it’s safe to say that Southgate’s chances of being appointed are very slim.

Given his status in the international echo chamber, it may come as a surprise – and, perhaps, slight disappointment – to be overlooked by the Polish FA. He’ll have no shortage of suitors, however, should he continue looking for a route back in.