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Sir Gareth Southgate | Player

As a footballer Gareth Southgate made over 500 appearances for clubs including Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Middlesborough.

He started as a youth for Southampton and Crystal Palace, before making his senior debut for Palace in 1988. Impressively, he became captain at 23 years old and led the club to the 1993-94 First Division title. Following their relegation from the Premier League in 1995, he signed to Aston Villa.

Making 191 appearances over six seasons, Gareth played as part of a formidable defence, lifting the League Cup in his first season. They qualified for the UEFA Cup, and he played in every Premier League game during the 1998-99 season.

In 2001, he signed for Middlesbrough on a four-year deal, becoming captain in 2002, becoming the first Boro skipper in their 128-year history to lift a trophy, winning the League Cup in 2004.

He made his international debut in 1995 under the management of the late Terry Venables. He played every minute of their matches as hosts England reached the semi-final of the 1996 UEFA Euros. The match was determined by a penalty shoot-out; Gareth’s penalty was saved and England were eliminated, and it’s a picture that has followed him through his whole career after.

He also played in the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA 2000 Euros. Overall, he was capped 57 times for England, and remains Aston Villa’s most capped England player.

He retired from professional playing in 2006.

 

Sir Gareth Southgate | Manager

Before becoming the senior England manager, Gareth worked in managerial roles for clubs including Middlesbrough and the England U21 team.

In 2016, he was put in temporary charge of the senior team when Sam Allardyce resigned. They were in the early stages of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. At the end of his temporary contract, he signed as a permanent manager.

During his time in charge, he led the team to their first World Cup semi-final in 28 years as well as to two successful Euros finals. He created a widely admired team culture of unity and determination and was often praised for his intelligent leadership style. He opened the team to the media, created a more relaxed atmosphere within the camp, and ensured a shared sense of purpose unburdened by history.

After making it to his second consecutive EURO final, Gareth confirmed his resignation, saying “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter.”

 

Sir Gareth Southgate | Awards and Honours

– Premier League Player of the Month January 2000

– Premier League Manager of the Month August 2008

– BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coch Award 2018; 2021

– OBE 2019

– FWA Tribute Award 2019

– PFA Merit Award 2025

– Knighthood 2025

 

Sir Gareth Southgate | Media

Gareth is the author of several football-related books, including:

– Woody & Nord: A Football Friendship (2004): written alongside Andy Woodman, the book describes their enduring friendship forged in the Crystal Palace youth team. The book won the Sports Book of the Year Award 2004 at the British Sports Book Awards.

– Anything is Possible: Be Brave, Be Kind, and Follow Your Dreams (2020): aimed at readers aged 12 and up, this book gives readers the tools to be confident and resilient.

– Dear England: Lessons in Leadership (2025): Gareth reveals the defining moments that forged his leadership style, the principles that informed his biggest decisions, and the inner steel he developed that enabled him to perform under intense public scrutiny.

He has infrequently worked as a football commentator, covering the 2006 World Cup, and 2010 FA Cup and UEFA Champions League for ITV Sport.

In 2023, Dear England, a play about Gareth appeared in London’s National Theatre, starring actor Joseph Fiennes as Gareth.

 

Sir Gareth Southgate | Corporate

Now a highly sought-after speaker, Gareth is passionate about inspiring others to reach their full potential.

His speaking topics include:

– Professionalism

– Elite Sport

– Football Playing

– Management

– Teamwork

– Leadership Under Intense Scrutiny

– Charity

– High Pressure Environments

– Decision Making

– Resilience

Contact Great Sports Speakers today to check Sir Gareth’s availability and fees for personal appearances and speaking engagements.