Gareth Southgate, the manager of the England national team, has been hailed as a national hero for guiding the nation to World Cup success with patience and humility. Known for his remarkable skills as one of England's greatest footballers, the 53-year-old England leader has showcased his managerial prowess while reviving the waistcoats trend. With a remarkable football managing career that began in 2006 as the boss of Middlesbrough club, here are some interesting facts to know about him.
Gareth Southgate: Beyond the sidelines of the England boss
He comes from Watford, Hertfordshire
Born on September 3, 1970, in Watford, Hertfordshire, Gareth Southgate spent his early years attending Padnell Infant School in Cowplain, Hampshire.
Southgate began his career at Crystal Palace
In 1988, Southgate kick-started his career with Crystal Palace, where he initially played as a right-back before transitioning to a central midfield role. He became captain and led the club to victory in the 1993–94 First Division championship.
Southgate was given the nickname 'Nord'
During his time at Crystal Palace, he earned the nickname 'Nord' due to his exacting and articulate manner of communication, which reminded one of the coaches of the renowned English comedy writer and TV presenter, Dennis Norden.
He was memorable due to his penalty miss
Throughout the UEFA Euro 1996, he was a constant presence on the field for England. However, his penalty miss in the semi-final led to their elimination.
Southgate appeared in an advert for Pizza Hut
After his penalty miss, Southgate embraced his mistake by participating in a Pizza Hut advert that included Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle, both of whom had their own memorable penalty misses during the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
He joined Middlesbrough in 2001
Southgate made a significant move on 11 July 2001 when he transferred to Middlesbrough for a fee of £6.5 million.
He made his debut for England as a substitute
In December 1995, Southgate marked his debut for England as a substitute against Portugal. His consistent presence on the field continued as he played every minute of England's matches during UEFA Euro 1996, leading to a semi-final encounter with Germany.
Southgate was appointed as Middlesbrough's manager
Chairman Steve Gibson chose to name Southgate as the successor to McClaren, ensuring his commitment through a five-year contract as the Middlesbrough manager.
He became the England under-21 team coach
Following a four-year absence from the sport, Southgate made a managerial comeback by signing a three-year contract on 22 August 2013 to succeed Stuart Pearce as the new manager of the England under-21 squad.
He was placed in temporary charge of the senior England team
Gareth Southgate was placed in temporary charge of the senior England team on 27 September 2016. At the time, England was in the early stages of their qualifying journey for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Southgate was named the senior England team manager
Southgate's tenure as interim manager concluded on 15 November, and he was officially named the permanent England manager when he signed a four-year contract two weeks later, on 30 November 2016.
He co-wrote "Woody & Nord: A Football Friendship"
In 2003, Gareth Southgate and his lifelong friend Andy Woodman co-authored 'Woody & Nord: A Football Friendship’. This book delves into the enduring bond formed during their shared journey in the Crystal Palace youth team.
Southgate was also a co-commentator for ITV
At the 2006 World Cup, Southgate took on the role of co-commentator alongside Clive Tyldesley for ITV, providing commentary for the group-stage games. However, due to his managerial responsibilities at Middlesbrough, he could only participate in the first half of the month-long tournament.
His mother advised him After the Euro '96 Penalty
In addition to the nationwide criticism of his penalty against Germany, Southgate's mother offered her advice, questioning why he didn't simply give it a good strike.
He tied the knot with Alison Bird
In July 1997, Southgate and Alison Bird exchanged wedding vows at St Nicholas's Church in Worth. They are now proud parents of two children.
Southgate and his family reside in Harrogate
Gareth Southgate and his family have been residents of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, since the early 2000s, and they own multiple homes in and around the town.
Southgate and the hit single "Whole Again"
Starting from the 2018 World Cup, England fans adopted the chorus from the 2001 hit single "Whole Again" by the English pop girl group Atomic Kitten as a chant for Southgate.
He revived the waistcoat trend in 2018
Ahead of the semi-final match against Croatia, supporters paid homage to Southgate's iconic waistcoat by wearing similar attire. England’s team manager had become known for wearing waistcoats during England's matches, leading to a remarkable 35% surge in waistcoat sales from the retailer Marks & Spencer.
He became the first England manager to reach the Euro Final
His tenure as England team’s manager at UEFA Euro 2020 marked a historic moment as he became the first since 1966 to lead the team to a European Championship final.