Gareth Southgate: Why He Quit England, Net Worth, and What’s Next

Few departures in English football have landed with as much quiet dignity as Gareth Southgate’s, who stepped away in July 2024 on his own terms. That move set off a chain of questions about his resignation, current life, and what Thomas Tuchel really thinks of the man he followed.

Age: 55 (born 3 September 1970) ·
England manager tenure: 2016–2024 (8 years) ·
Net worth (estimated): £20 million ·
Children: 2 (son and daughter) ·
Spouse: Alison Southgate (married 1997)

The table below packs his key facts into one shot.

Why did Gareth Southgate quit England and what is he doing now?

Why did he step down?

Gareth Southgate resigned as England manager on 17 July 2024, after England lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain. The decision was his own — he was not sacked. In his resignation statement, Southgate said he believed the team needed a “new direction” and that he wanted to spend more time with his family (Premier League, official league body; Associated Press).

“I believe the team needed a new direction and I want to spend more time with my family.” — Gareth Southgate’s resignation statement, 17 July 2024

What is his current role?

As of early 2025, Gareth Southgate has not taken a new managerial job. Instead, he is focusing on personal projects, advisory roles, and spending time with family. Among his known activities is co-founding the 1071 Group, a management and advisory firm (Sunday Report). He has also given no indication that he plans to return to football management in the immediate future.

The implication: Southgate is in a deliberate pause, not a retirement. His next move — whether back into football or a different field — will be watched closely by clubs and fans alike.

What did Tuchel say about Southgate?

Tuchel’s praise for Southgate’s legacy

When Thomas Tuchel was announced as England’s new head coach on 16 October 2024, he made a point to acknowledge the man he was succeeding. In his first press conference, Tuchel described Southgate as a “great guy” and praised his work with the England team. He specifically thanked Southgate for laying a foundation of “unity and high performance” (BBC Sport; The Guardian).

“Gareth is a great guy. He built a foundation of unity and high performance, and I thank him for that.” — Thomas Tuchel, first press conference as England manager, October 2024

For more context on Tuchel’s family and earnings, see our Thomas Tuchel England salary wife article.

Tuchel’s approach as successor

Tuchel acknowledged the pressure of succeeding Southgate and expressed respect for what had been built. He stated he would build on Southgate’s foundation rather than tear it down. The German manager signed an 18-month contract and will officially begin as England manager on 1 January 2025, with Lee Carsley serving as interim in the months between Southgate’s exit and Tuchel’s start (ESPN; The Guardian).

The pattern: Tuchel is entering a job where the previous manager left on good terms — rare in elite football. The real test will come when results put that goodwill under pressure.

Does Gareth Southgate have children?

How many children does he have?

Gareth Southgate has two children: a son named Flynn and a daughter named Mia. He and his wife, Alison, have kept their children largely out of the public eye (Sunday Report).

How old is his wife?

Alison Southgate (née Bird) was born in 1977, making her 48 as of 2025. She married Gareth in 1997, when he was still a player at Aston Villa (Sunday Report). The couple lives in Harrogate, England.

The takeaway: Southgate’s family life has been remarkably stable — a 28-year marriage and two children — which contrasts sharply with the often chaotic personal lives of top football managers. That stability is likely a factor in his ability to handle eight years of pressure.

How rich is Gareth Southgate?

Net worth estimate

Multiple sources estimate Gareth Southgate’s net worth at around £20 million. This figure includes his earnings from a 20-year playing career, his salary as England manager, endorsements, and speaking engagements (The Guardian). Some secondary estimates place the number between £12–15 million, but the higher figure is the most commonly cited in news reports (Sunday Report).

Sources of income

Southgate’s annual salary as England manager was approximately £5 million. His income also comes from:

• His playing career at Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Middlesbrough
• Endorsements and media appearances
• Co-founding the 1071 Group, a management and advisory firm (Sunday Report)

For a deeper dive into his finances, see the Gareth Southgate resignation, net worth, family article.

His successor, Thomas Tuchel, is reportedly earning a similar package — around £5 million per year according to The Guardian, or as high as £6 million according to The Athletic (The Athletic).

What this means: Southgate’s wealth is substantial but not extravagant by top-level football standards. His post-England earnings will depend on his next move — and whether he chooses management, media, or business.

Why did they sack Southgate?

Was he sacked or did he resign?

Gareth Southgate was not sacked. He resigned from his position as England manager after the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain (Premier League, official league body; Associated Press).

Reasons for his departure

In his statement, Southgate said he felt the team needed a “new direction.” He also cited a desire to spend more time with his family and to step back from the intense demands of managing the national team. The decision was framed as his own — a carefully considered choice rather than a forced exit.

The pattern: Southgate left on his own terms, at a natural breaking point after a tournament. That stands in contrast to the typical England manager exit — which has often come after a sacking (think Graham Taylor, Kevin Keegan, or Steve McClaren).

Gareth Southgate’s timeline

Nine key dates that shaped Southgate’s journey from player to national hero to private citizen.

• 1990s–2006: Playing career at Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough; 57 England caps
• 2006–2009: Manager of Middlesbrough
• 2013–2016: England U21 manager
• November 2016: Appointed interim England manager, later permanent
• July 2018: Led England to World Cup semi-final (Associated Press)
• July 2021: Led England to Euro 2020 final (lost to Italy)
• December 2022: World Cup quarter-final exit
• July 2024: Euro 2024 final loss; announced resignation on 17 July (Premier League; BBC Sport)
• October 2024: Thomas Tuchel appointed England manager (The Guardian)

The pattern: Southgate’s career arc is one of steady progression — player to youth coach to senior manager. His exit, while early by some standards, follows the same deliberate logic. The question is whether that next step will be back into the game or into something entirely new.

Related reading: Gareth Southgate resignation, net worth, family · Thomas Tuchel England salary wife

Frequently asked questions

For the football fan who’s been following this story, the picture is clear: Gareth Southgate left the England job with dignity, a comfortable net worth, and the respect of his successor. The question now is whether he will return to the game — or whether the 1071 Group and a quieter life have already won him over.