Gareth Southgate is not actively pursuing a return to the dugout and was surprised to be linked with the Poland job. He stepped down 13 months ago after England's Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, concluding an eight-year tenure that produced consecutive European Championship finals and deep World Cup runs. Since leaving the role he has balanced business interests, leadership and coaching development work, and book writing with travel, golf and paddle tennis. He accepts media speculation and avoids commenting on the current England squad to prevent interfering with Thomas Tuchel's work.
"I'm enjoying my life," Southgate told PA. "I've got quite a lot on - business interests, work with young coaches, writing, and time to travel, play golf and paddle tennis. I'm very much enjoying that balance."
"You can never say never, because 15 years ago I left Middlesbrough and wasn't sure I'd manage again. Then I ended up on a strange path into the national team. But it's not something I'm actively looking at at the moment."
"I was linked with the Poland job, which I knew nothing about, so that was a strange one," he said. "Something gets written and then it's reported everywhere. I just accept it now for what it is."
"They've obviously got lots of good players and there are always exciting young players coming through. But it's important for me not to say too much, because I don't want to step on Thomas' toes."
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